Latest news with #BreastfeedingFriendlyScotlandScheme
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Carnwath becomes Lanarkshire's first ‘Breastfeeding Friendly' town
A celebratory event was held this week at Carnwath Primary School. 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. Article continues below
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS Lanarkshire launches initiative encouraging hairdressers and beauty salons to sign up to Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme
The project aims to create welcoming environments where new mothers can breastfeed comfortably and confidently while enjoying well-deserved self-care. NHS Lanarkshire has launched a new initiative encouraging hairdressers and beauty salons across the region to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme. The project aims to create welcoming environments where new mothers can breastfeed comfortably and confidently while enjoying well-deserved self-care. Hair and beauty salons are often among the first places new mums visit as they begin to get out and about with their babies. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android By joining the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, these businesses can play a key role in normalising breastfeeding and helping mothers feel supported in public spaces. Louise James, health improvement practitioner at NHS Lanarkshire, who has been leading on the scheme, explained: "Babies are protected by law to be fed anywhere in Scotland, and the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme helps businesses show their visible support for breastfeeding families. "By joining the scheme, salons are sending a clear message that mums and babies are welcome. "One of the first places new mums go after having their baby is the hairdresser or beauty salon for some well-earned 'me-time'. "By targeting these businesses, we're reinforcing the message that breastfeeding is normal, and that mothers will be welcomed and supported wherever they go." Local salon owners and staff have already embraced the initiative. Frances Wallace, co-owner of Icon Hair and Beauty in Airdrie and a former Community Mum, shared her experience. She said: "When I had my first baby, I didn't have the information or support to breastfeed successfully. "After training with Community Mums, I realised that many of those early struggles could have been easily resolved with just a little support. 'Now, as a salon owner, I know how important it is for mums to feel comfortable. "We have clients who breastfeed naturally during their appointments - sometimes you don't even notice, and that's exactly how normal it should be. "Some mums don't need to ask, while others appreciate being reassured they're welcome. "It's so important they know they don't have to stay at home - they can get out and about with their baby and still feel supported." Co-owner Debbie echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of flexibility, adding: "Some mums prefer to feed discreetly, while others might want a bit more privacy. "We always offer options, such as a quiet space in a beauty room or our staff area. "Many of our team members have breastfed themselves, so they understand how vital that support is. "In those early stages, it's important new mums feel comfortable bringing their baby along - especially as appointments can sometimes take a while." NHS Lanarkshire is inviting all hairdressers and beauty salons to join the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme and help create welcoming spaces for breastfeeding families. The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Award supports organisations to understand their rights and responsibilities and equips staff and volunteers to make their premises truly inclusive. Businesses that sign up receive guidance and display materials to show their commitment. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
