We recognise that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for babies. It also contains disease-fighting vitamins and nutrients which can help protect children from illness throughout their lives.
We want to encourage mums in the Rochdale borough to feel comfortable to take up breastfeeding and continue confidently for as long as they want to. And we're encouraging local businesses and venues to join the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme, provide a breastfeeding friendly environment and help children to enjoy a longer, healthier life and wellbeing.
Advice for mums and mums-to-be
Give us your views
We'd like to hear about your experiences of using Breastfeeding Welcome venues -
Give us your views
The Start4Life BreastFeeding Friend chatbot
Do you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding?
The BreastFeeding Friend (BFF) is here to support you at any time, day or night, to make breastfeeding a better experience and help you continue breastfeeding for as long as you want to.
Ask the BFF a question and get advice and support simply open Facebook Messenger and search Start4Life BreastFeeding Friend or visit m.me/Start4LifeBreastFeedingFriend How can businesses and venues join the scheme?
Businesses such as shops, cafes, beauty salons and other public venues can sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme and support mothers to breastfeed when out in the community, by helping them to feel comfortable on their premises.
Sign up is FREE and can improve your business’ customer service, attract new customers and provide free publicity. To sign up your business or venue must meet these basic criteria:
- Provide a comfortable, public area for breastfeeding mums.
- Understand that some women prefer privacy when breastfeeding and do all they can to help them.
- Adopt a breastfeeding policy. Train their staff on how to implement the breastfeeding policy.
- Display the scheme’s charter and sticker to tell visitors they welcome breastfeeding.
Our public health team can help you to meet these requirements.
To join email
breastfeeding@rochdale.gov.uk
Or call 01706 927081.
For more information visit
Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme