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Breast is best for mothers who use centres |
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Written by Phillip Nifield, South Wales Echo
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Saturday, 10 November 2007 |
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Mums will be able to breastfeed babies at leisure centres under a pilot scheme being launched in Cardiff.
The Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme will see special facilities set aside for mothers. The initiative follows a motion tabled more than a year ago by mum-of-three Councillor Sophie Howe, inset, who has breast-fed all her children.
Coun Howe said: "It is clear that breast is best and only this week, it was reported that breast-fed babies boosted their IQs by six points.
"The health benefits for breastfeeding make a good case for the council to work with colleagues in the health service to encourage more mums to do so.
"Some people don't mind breastfeeding in public while others prefer privacy, so facilities in leisure centres will be very welcome."
Average breastfeeding rates in Wales at 67 per cent are among the lowest in Europe.
And the pilot scheme in Cardiff, which has been approved by the council's executive, will make it clear that breastfeeding is acceptable in all public places in line with criteria set by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The council plans to raise awareness of the issue, providing training for staff to ensure that employees are aware of the council's policy.
Joan Buckley, a health service expert in breastfeeding, who welcomed Cardiff's initiative, said: "It is really good. Mothers should not have to think where they can feed their babies.
"Some mums are concerned about being challenged when they are out and need to breast feed. It can be a sensitive issue."
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