Health minister says breast feeding is normal and natural

Several high-profile retailers and shopping centres have been named as breastfeeding-friendly by the NHS.

Among them are Asda, Woolworths, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Birmingham’s Merryhill shopping centre.

Breastfeeding friendly places display a sticker in their window as an indication that mothers who want to breastfeed their child in public will be welcomed.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the government was “delighted” that organisations were welcoming breastfeeding and it was vital to promote it as “the normal and natural way” to feed a baby.

“Highlighting organisations that adopt a breastfeeding friendly policy is just one of the ways in which breastfeeding mums are being supported” she said, adding that studies show women want to breastfeed but many give up in the early stages.

Government studies show that babies who are breastfed are less susceptible to infections, asthma, obesity and diabetes and breastfeeding can protect mothers against health problems later in life.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, ending on May 17th, is targeting women from low-income backgrounds and encouraging them to get support from health visitors and other organisations.