Loddon Valley Leisure Center is the latest venue to have gained ‘breastfeeding friendly’ status as part of an ongoing effort to give families confidence about breastfeeding.
Wokingham Borough Council’s leisure provider, Places Leisure, signed up for the Breastfeeding Network’s (BfN) Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme last year.
This saw the new Wokingham Leisure Center @ Carnival Hub recognized as a breastfeeding friendly venue in August and now the leisure center in Lower Earley has followed suit.
The leisure center will demonstrate its commitment to supporting infant feeding, including improving the environment for the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has multiple health benefits for the mother and baby. For the baby, breastfeeding can help to reduce risk of infections and diseases.
Concerns about breastfeeding in public can result in women feeling uncomfortable. This scheme gives women confidence about breastfeeding when visiting public places by providing a safe space.
The BfNs scheme, which is open to any business, venue or organization, gives families confidence about breastfeeding when visiting public places.
Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “I am pleased to see Loddon Valley has become part of this brilliant initiative. We have already seen the benefits of raising awareness at the new Wokingham Leisure Center, which has become a place for residents to feel safe and free from judgement when it comes to breastfeeding.
“While many residents may already be aware of the health benefits and have a desire to breastfeed their child, providing a welcoming environment is an important barrier to overcome and one we are happy to help remove.”
Tony Penge, the contract manager for Places Leisure, Wokingham, said:
“We continue to be proud to be a part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, as demonstrated by our desire to build on our efforts last year when Wokingham Leisure Center was recognized as a breastfeeding friendly venue.
“We do our utmost to make all of our leisure centers a welcoming place for families, and we know breastfeeding can be a sensitive issue. It is therefore important that mum and families feel happy about feeding their babies in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.”
The Wokingham branch of the BfN has a volunteer-led drop-in service. Free and confidential face-to-face help is offered by peer support volunteers through various sessions across the borough.
Drop-ins can be accessed by any mother or breastfeeding parent, whether they are pre- or post-natal and regardless of the age of their child or children. Volunteers have breastfed their own children and have been trained to guide people through the basics, help them gain confidence and listen to any questions or concerns.
BfN Wokingham will soon be looking to train new volunteers from across the borough, with a Helper peer supporter course starting in March, which will be open for applications shortly.
To book an appointment or video call, or to inquire about training with the BfN, contact wokingham@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
Images attached of Cllr David Hare with Amy-Jayne Cheale (general manager at Loddon Valley Leisure Center) and Kirsty Beck from the Breastfeeding Network.
Image credit: Stewart Turkington
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