It’s been the law in Scotland for ten years that it is an offence to prohibit a woman from publicly breastfeeding her child. Despite this, many women still feel unwelcome.
NHS Lothian has launched a new initiative to get public places such as café’s to create a policy that breastfeeding mothers will not just be welcomed but actively encouraged to use their facilities.
Café Life, a community café which is part of the charity LifeCare Edinburgh in Stockbridge has recently attained the Breastfeeding Friendly Award.
LifeCare’s Business Relations Manager, Stephen Clarke said: “This award is proof that we do what we say we do. Although we have always welcomed mother’s to breastfeed their child in the café and use our facilities such as our baby changing units this award means that we are recognised as part of a bigger initiative to support the rights of breastfeeding mothers.”
Café Life is used by a cross section of the community such as parents with infants, young adults with learning disabilities, older people, workers and school children.
LifeCare (Edinburgh) Limited is a local charity that works with the elderly, those with dementia and their carers across Edinburgh. Café Life contributes to the services provided by directing any extra income made into them.