CARDIFF Bay has become the first tourist area in Wales to be declared a breastfeeding friendly zone.

Almost 30 businesses in the Bay have signed up to a scheme which welcomes breastfeeding mums on their premises.

The restaurants, cafes and shops will join the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd and display the Breastfeeding Welcome sign.It is hoped their support – which comes during breastfeeding awareness week – will help to boost the number of women in Wales who breastfeed their children by making them feel more comfortable when feeding in public.

The latest figures show that just 67% of mothers breastfeed in Wales, compared with 70% in Scotland and 78% in England.

Women in Wales are also less likely to breastfeed in public – the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme’s main aim is to make breastfeeding more accessible.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: “More and more businesses are joining the Welsh Assembly Government-backed Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, which aims to show that they welcome mothers to breastfeed their babies on their premises.

“Premises such as restaurants, cafes and other public buildings are displaying the Breastfeeding Welcome signs in windows.

“These provide a quick and easy way for mothers to identify where a hungry baby can be fed in a relaxed and welcoming place.”

Amy Bartlett, 22, from Barry, said: “I’m enjoying being a new mum and I’m enjoying breastfeeding, it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Being able to come to places where you know where you’re allowed to breastfeed and where you know people won’t look at you wrongly is amazing, because the looks you get can sometimes leave you really downhearted.”

And Monkia Morgans, from Dinas Powys, who has an 11-month-old son, Ifan, added: “I’ve got three boys and I’m currently breastfeeding Ifan.

“I breastfed all of them and I think it is best for my children – that’s why I chose to breastfeed.

“I’m quite nervous about breastfeeding in public but people support me and they don’t look at me oddly at all.

“I did find it difficult with my first son, but now I get supporting looks from people which is nice and makes me feel more comfortable.

“I find the whole thing very easy and natural so I have no problems with breastfeeding in public now.”

The campaign to encourage more women to breastfeed has been backed by singer and mum-of-two Charlotte Church.

The television presenter said: “I’ve now breastfed both my babies and it’s been a lovely experience – once you get used to it, breastfeeding is the easiest and best way to give them a great start in life.

“The Assembly Government’s Breastfeeding Welcome scheme is helping mums to find friendly and comfortable places to breastfeed when they’re out and about.

“It also means more young people will get to see breastfeeding happening in Wales.”

As taken from Wales online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2009/05/14/cardiff-bay-businesses-back-breastfeeding-scheme-91466-23616841/

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