SERC on board for Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
The South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has joined the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breast Feeding Welcome Here scheme across all College campuses.
The initiative, which aims to provide supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers, was brought to the attention of the college’s Students’ Union by a mature student from the college’s Newcastle Campus.
Rochelle McCauley, an adult returner on the Foundation Diploma in Access Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies, said: “It seemed obvious to me that the college would be interested in the scheme, so I contacted the Students’ Union and suggested the college might get involved.
“I am delighted they felt the same way, and the scheme is now being rolled out across college campuses.”
Rochelle, the mother of two boys and a Breast Feeding Friend (BFF) volunteers within the South Eastern HSC Trust’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Service added: “We have so many people coming into the college for open days or events, popping in for a coffee or a meeting.
“I think it is really important that they see the signs and that breastfeeding is accepted as something natural and wonderful, and welcome in the college which is an important part of the wider community.”
Heather McKee, Director of Strategic Planning, Quality and Support at SERC said: “The college welcomes thousands of adults and adult returners each year and actively works to alleviate barriers and obstacles to education.
“Being part of the Breast Feeding Welcome scheme provides another incentive back to learning for those mothers who wish to breastfeed and perfectly complements our Little SERC creche facilities at Newcastle Campus.”
Dr Hannah Dearie, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with PHA, said: “Breastfeeding women have the right to feed anywhere in public.
“And whilst it is very rare that women experience any open confrontation or critical comment about them breastfeeding in public, many perceive such objections and interpret certain behaviours as challenging.
“So breastfeeding-friendly places provide that bit of extra support. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme is an initiative that aims to provide supportive environments for mothers to breastfeed when they’re out and about.
“THis is true for those particularly who may feel reticent. The scheme, which dates from 2005, is there to reassure women who want to breastfeed that there are businesses and organisations out there who have taken proactive steps to welcome breastfeeding mothers and show solidarity with them.
“Any business which is open to the general public is eligible to join the scheme, which currently includes more than 800 cafes, restaurants, shops, council facilities, universities, tourist attractions and other public and private sector venues across Northern Ireland.
“We are delighted to have SERC as a member of the scheme and believe that this will support breastfeeding mothers to continue breastfeeding for longer.”
Jacqui Henning Breastfeeding Project Lead said: “For new parents, taking a baby out in public for the first time is a big event. This can be made more difficult when a mum breastfeeds in public and finds opposition and criticism, which is very disparaging.
“Culturally we see more babies formula fed rather than breastfed, so a lack of awareness and empathy can cause stress and can be detrimental to a mother’s confidence.
“The ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme’ aims to accommodate and support families who wish to breastfeed while out and about.
“Any business who signs up to the scheme will display the logo in their window, so it’s very clear and welcoming to breastfeeding mother’s.
“The Breast Fed Babies website has a list of businesses who have signed up to the scheme, Mum’s can check participating businesses according to their postcode, you can visit the website using the following address:
“We are delighted to have Rochelle as one of our Volunteers within the Trust’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Service, BFF (Breast Feeding Friends).
“Breastfeeding Peer support connects breastfeeding mothers with Trust BFF Volunteers who have personal experience of breast feeding.
“The Volunteers are trained to empower and support other women and help guide them through the challenges they may face on their breastfeeding journey.
“SERC signing up to the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme’ is a testament to Rochelle’s enthusiasm, encouragement and desire to support other mothers.”
For more information visit the:
website which provides a list of local businesses across Northern Ireland participating in the scheme.
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