Carnwath becomes Lanarkshire's first ‘Breastfeeding Friendly' town
Carnwath has made history as the first town in Lanarkshire to be officially recognised as 'Breastfeeding Friendly', creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding mums and their babies.
To mark this important milestone, a celebratory event was held this week at Carnwath Primary School, where local MSP and recent mum Mairi McAllan joined Lesley McDonald, vice-chair of South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB), to present certificates to local venues in the community supporting the initiative.
The small rural village in Clydesdale, with a population of around 1400, has historically faced challenges when it comes to breastfeeding, with exclusive breastfeeding rates at six to eight weeks being consistently lower than the national average.
The 'Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme' was introduced nationally by the Scottish Government and implemented locally by NHS Lanarkshire in partnership with local businesses and community groups. It aims to ensure public spaces across Scotland are open and supportive to breastfeeding.
For one local mum, this initiative is a game-changer. Melissa Gibson said: 'My life is so easy because I can just feed her, she goes to sleep, and we get on with our day. As a breastfeeding mum, I don't care where I breastfeed and I want other mums to feel like that too.
'Seeing the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland award displayed all over Carnwath helps make breastfeeding feel normal and supported. I feel proud that Carnwath is leading the way in making breastfeeding feel normal and supported in our community and creating a relaxed, welcoming environment for mums like me.'
Speaking at the event, Ms McAllan said: 'I couldn't be prouder that Carnwath has become the first breastfeeding friendly town in Lanarkshire to receive this award.
'This is an issue that is really close to my heart. My family moved to Carnwath in the 1920s and I spent so much of my younger years here. I have a ten-month-old boy, so I'm very aware of the challenges of being a new mum. Carnwath celebrating this achievement is very important to me.
'I would love to say breastfeeding was easy for me, but that wasn't the case. The one thing that helped me keep going was the support network around me – from midwives and maternity care assistants, right through to health visitors, friends, family and of course other mothers.
'This award feels like Carnwath is standing up and saying: 'we want our little ones to have the best start in life and as a community, we're putting our arms around mums and supporting them'.'
Lesley McDonald added: 'This initiative is a wonderful example of how communities, services and families can come together to make a real difference. By showing mums that they are welcome and supported, Carnwath is helping to build a healthier, more compassionate future for our children.'
Shops, cafés and community venues throughout the village have signed up to display the 'Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland' award, reassuring mums that they are welcome to feed their baby whenever and wherever they need to.
Barbara Harding, health improvement senior at NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'Mothers who feel supported are more likely to continue breastfeeding, which has significant health benefits for both mum and baby. A welcoming community where mums can feed their babies without hesitation can make all the difference in their breastfeeding journey.
'Encouragement from local businesses, community groups and health professionals helps to normalise breastfeeding and reinforce its importance. It is vitally important to create a community-wide culture of support. Carnwath is setting a brilliant example for other communities to follow.'
Breastfeeding provides the best possible start in life for babies and has lasting benefits for both mother and child. It provides lifelong health benefits, reducing the risk of infections, allergies and long-term conditions such as diabetes and obesity. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby while supporting maternal and infant health.
Anne Marie Bruce, infant feeding development midwife at NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'By recognising Carnwath as a breastfeeding-friendly town, we are reinforcing the message that breastfeeding is normal and should be supported in all public spaces. We know that not everyone can or wants to breastfeed but everyone has a role to play in supporting breastfeeding. This initiative will make a real difference to families in the area, ensuring that mums feel confident and empowered to breastfeed wherever they choose.'
Carnwath's commitment extends beyond public venues. The local nursery has signed up to the 'Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Award', with changes to the environment and staff training to promote a breastfeeding friendly culture from infancy.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: 'There is a proverb that states that 'it takes a village to a raise a child' – and that sentiment is certainly one that the community of Carnwath has taken to heart here.
'My thanks all those staff who promote breastfeeding and to all of the local groups and venues in the community who are showing their support for families.
'Most importantly, our thanks to all of the mums for everything they do to give their babies the best start in life.'
Certificates were awarded to: Carnwath Primary School and Nursery, Carnwath Bowling Club, Carnwath Community Council, Medwyn Medical Practice, Apple Pie Bakery, Carnwath Deli, Carnwath Pre-5s Group, Carnwath Pharmacy and Carnwath Golf Club.
NHS Lanarkshire continues to welcome interest from local groups and volunteers who want to contribute to strengthening support networks for breastfeeding families.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
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