Businesses across West Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme as the council celebrates the benefits for mothers and families.
A motion, which marks 20 years since the Breastfeeding (Scotland) Act 2005 was introduced, will be presented at a full council meeting this week by SNP councillor Lauren Oxley.
The Scottish Government website says it is an offence to stop a person from feeding a child milk in a public place or licensed premises until the child is two years old. This protects the right to breastfeed or bottle-feed in various public settings.
This Wednesday, elected members will be asked to note that August 1 until August 7 marked World Breastfeeding Week, an annual opportunity to raise awareness of and celebrate the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers, and families.
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Councillor Oxley’s motion explains that breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of infections for infants, while also supporting the health of mothers.
It offers additional advantages such as lower costs, convenience, and fostering a strong bond between the mother and child.
The motion reads: “Despite these benefits, many mothers continue to face barriers to breastfeeding, particularly in public spaces, due to outdated stigmas and attitudes.
“[The] council recognises important progress in promoting breastfeeding and reducing inequalities for mothers, including:
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“• The 20th anniversary of the Breastfeeding (Scotland) Act 2005, which protects the right to feed an infant in public spaces.
“• The development of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) Scheme, a free national initiative enabling businesses to signal that their premises offer a safe and welcoming environment for breastfeeding.”
Only 10 premises in Clydebank are currently registered with the BFS scheme, the majority being council-managed facilities.
The motion concludes: “[The] council therefore encourages local businesses and community organisations to take a small but significant step and sign up to the scheme, helping to make West Dunbartonshire a more welcoming and supportive place for mothers and families.”
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