Businesses displaying this icon welcome breastfeeding on their premises.
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By Teresa Bird - North Island Gazette
Published: December 02, 2008 5:00 PM
Updated: December 02, 2008 5:16 PM
Nursing mothers will find it easier to feed their babies when away from home.
Dietician Erin Harrison and Promising Babies coordinator Chris Koop are asking businesses to place a sign in their window if they are breastfeeding friendly.
“This is a campaign to encourage breastfeeding in the community,” says Harrison. “Some women are uncomfortable or a bit shy about breastfeeding in public.”
Harrison says the signs, depicting the international symbol for breastfeeding, will cue moms to places where they can sit and relax while feeding their baby.
“If you walk downtown with the stroller to do some shopping and the baby is hungry, where do you go?” asks Harrison. The new signs, being posted in North Island communities, will make the answer to that question obvious.
Harrison says it is just good business.
“If mom wants to go out for coffee with a friend she’s going to frequent a restaurant that is breastfeeding friendly,” says Harrison.
Koop says the North Island Community Services office in Port McNeill has always been open to moms, but more places are needed in all communities that will help support breastfeeding families.
Breastfeeding in public places is a women’s right under the BC Human Rights Commission, says Harrison, and current recommendations from Health Canada support breastfeeding for two years or more.
Businesses agreeing to post the sign will also be given a brochure outlining ways to welcome breastfeeding moms.
Businesses wanting a sign or more information can contact Chris Koop at North Island Community Services at 250-956-3134.
