Bosom buddies!

A WARM welcome for nursing mums and their babies at 26 venues listed in a new directory

More places across Oldham are proving to be breastfeeding-friendly and providing a welcome to nursing mothers.

There are 26 venues signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly scheme, and will display a welcome sticker.

They are all listed in a new directory produced by Oldham Community Health Services (part of NHS Oldham).

It also includes a list of facilities available at the venues, such as designated rooms for feeding and baby-changing facilities.

Joanne Mayall, infant feeding adviser from Oldham Community Health Services, said: “Finding somewhere to breastfeed your baby when you’re out in town can be a worry for mums.

“The new directory allows mums to see, at a glance, venues that support women to breastfeed on their premises. Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life.

“It also helps to prevent infections and diseases and allows mums and babies to get closer physically and emotionally.”

First-time mum, Sarah Clarke (29), from Royton, who recently gave birth to a baby boy, said: “The scheme is a fantastic idea.

“If you know a venue is positive to breastfeeding it takes the stress out of going out. It makes you much more relaxed”

The “Breastfeeding Friendly Places in Oldham” booklets will be given to mums by health-visiting staff and was launched during this week’s national Breastfeeding Awareness Week.