Breastfeeding mums are protected by the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 to feed an infant up to the age of 2 years in public places or establishments that allow children access. The Equality Act 2010 protected a mum for as long as she wants to breastfeed, there is no age restriction.
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme
The new Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme (BFSS) has launched across the whole of Scotland. The purpose of this scheme is to ensure breastfeeding mums know that if they see the sticker the establishment will make them feel welcome and be supportive of her feeding choice.
What everyone should know
Why become a breastfeeding friendly establishment?
The Scottish Infant Feeding Survey 2017 identified that mums understood they could breastfeed in public areas however, almost half of the mums lacked confidence in doing so. The Scottish Government want establishments to show support by joining the new scheme and display the logo which would provide reassurance a breastfeeding mum would be welcome.
There are three main ways that the BFSS helps mothers:
- When a mother sees the BFSS stickers/posters/logo displayed, they she knows that the business will be supportive of her right to breastfeed her baby on their premises - the mother should not be asked to move or stop feeding her baby
- The scheme raises the profile of breastfeeding as a natural way to feed your baby. In the future we hope that all mums will choose to breastfeed
- The Scheme ensures that businesses, and their staff members, are aware of the laws around breastfeeding
How to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme
To sign up to the scheme please read the application form and complete Page 4 your information will be sent to us direct through a Microsoft 365 Form.
We will then send out a membership pack which includes posters, stickers and window clings. We ask that you display the window clings at the front of your premises to show support for families along with a short information sheet for staff.
We will then send out a membership pack which includes posters, stickers and window clings. We ask that you display the window clings at the front of your premises to show support for families along with a short information sheet for staff.