2 days ago
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde urge nurseries to join scheme
The health board launched the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Scheme in June 2024.
The initiative, backed by the Scottish Government and local health boards, aims to create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mums, visitors, and staff at childcare centres.
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Since its inception, 27 early years centres across Greater Glasgow and Clyde have fully signed up for the scheme, with 74 others working towards full accreditation.
The initiative ensures centres have breastfeeding and return-to-work policies for staff, and includes breastfeeding as part of the children's curriculum discussions.
As part of Breastfeeding Week, the NHSGGC Health Improvement team raised awareness of the scheme at Glasgow's Silverburn shopping centre.
Jacalyn McIlwham, a health improvement practitioner in the NHSGGC, said: "Centres appoint a breastfeeding champion who we liaise with to help set things up and then as this rolls out.
"We support this champion in helping staff to partake in the online training and normalise breastfeeding in their setting.
'Overall, the online training teaches staff how to promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment, support breastfeeding families and colleagues, and understand the benefits of breastfeeding so teams have a well-rounded understanding of how best to support women.'
Anne McNair, team leader and breastfeeding champion at Pollok Children's Centre, one of the leading nurseries in the scheme, said: "Becoming a breastfeeding friendly nursery has been a positive experience.
"We want families to feel supported and comfortable."
Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHSGGC, said: "Juggling life with a young family is challenging, and having accessible, supportive locations can make a huge difference to how long a mum chooses to breastfeed.
"It also reassures parents planning for another child that support will be there when they need it."
For more information or to sign up, contact for South Glasgow, for North West Glasgow, and for North East Glasgow.
