PUBLIC libraries in East Renfrewshire are now officially breast-feeding friendly.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure worked closely with East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to obtain Scottish Government accreditation for its ten libraries, as part of a national scheme run by local health boards.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme aims to help people who breastfeed and businesses know their rights and responsibilities and help mothers have positive experiences.

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Scott Simpson, head of libraries and information services, said: "We have worked closely with the HSCP and are pleased to have accreditation confirmed for all of our East Renfrewshire libraries as part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme.

"We welcome families and host a range of events across each of our libraries, including our popular Bookbug sessions.

"It's important to us that mothers have positive experiences of breastfeeding when using our facilities."

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Councillor Katie Pragnell, convenor for health and social care said: “A big thank you and well done to the Culture and Leisure Trust for achieving breastfeeding friendly status in its libraries.

"I would encourage local businesses to get involved with the scheme as it’s important parents feel comfortable breastfeeding their baby in public and its completely free to sign up.

"There are many benefits to breastfeeding for Mum and baby, but sadly women don’t always feel welcome to do so in public spaces.

"This scheme is really important in our efforts to making East Renfrewshire as breastfeeding friendly as possible.

“The HSCP continues to support mums with breastfeeding through our Health Visitors and local breastfeeding support group, which I am delighted to say is back offline.

"It’s a great support for mums during their breastfeeding journey and provides the opportunity to meet others and share their experiences."

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For more information on East Renfrewshire libraries, visit: https://www.ercultureandleisure.org/libraries/

Find out more about the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme: https://www.mygov.scot/breastfeeding-and-your-business

For information on local breastfeeding support groups and support available go to https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/breastfeeding-support-groups