Simon Butler reports: Isle of Wight Council and the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) have joined forces to show support towards mothers who breastfeed.

As part of a nationwide scheme, over 60 council buildings, along with dozens of other private buildings on the Island, will become Breastfeeding Friendly Areas (BFA’s).

Some of the council buildings that will become BFA’s include County Hall in Newport, Ryde Waterside Pool, Dinosaur Isle in Sandown, Shanklin Library and Northwood House. BFA buildings will display a sticker to let customers know they are breastfeeding friendly.

Research by the NCT has shown two out of every three mums have been subjected to disparaging remarks from other people if they breastfeed in public while nine out of ten mothers give up breastfeeding too early.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing Dawn Cousins said

“Breastfeeding is not only a vital but also a natural part of early life. Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection while it also reduces the chances of mums getting certain diseases later in life.

I am delighted to support this scheme, and would encourage many other private businesses and organisations to do the same”.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Children and Young People Alan Wells said

“Many people may think breastfeeding is a bit of a taboo subject and perhaps many mums are too embarrassed or are worried what people may think.”

The Isle of Wight Council, along with many other private organisations, are supporting this NCT initiative and hopefully this will raise the profile of how important breastfeeding is.

IWC Media Simon Butler.  Isle of Wight Community Information @Island Pulse.