Chief Executive Paul Manning has signed up the council to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) Scheme, which helps mothers to feel confident and supported when they are breastfeeding in public areas.

He said: “Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mum and baby, yet Scotland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe.

“While many new mums start breastfeeding, some will stop within a few months. This is often because they feel there is a lack of support, particularly when they want to feed their baby outside their home.

“However, it is the babies who decide when they need to be fed, not the adults, and so public places need to be somewhere that mums are not just welcome, but know they are welcome and can feed their babies in a comfortable and supportive environment.

“That’s why we’ve signed up for the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, and in doing so we hope that not only will it reassure mums with regard to our own premises, but will also encourage other organisations and businesses to follow suit.”

In Scotland, babies are protected by law to be fed anywhere, and it is an offence to prevent or stop a baby being fed in a public place, or even to attempt to do so, and membership of the BFS scheme demonstrates that a business understands and accommodates the needs of breastfeeding families.

Wherever the BFS logo is seen, it shows that staff are aware of their obligation under the law and that mothers can be assured of an extra warm welcome.

As part of the council’s corporate responsibility regarding breastfeeding, employees are working to promote and contribute towards a breastfeeding culture and increase breastfeeding rates within our communities.

Anyone in South Lanarkshire looking for breastfeeding support can contact NHS Lanarkshire’s Infant Feeding Team on 01698 366710, while more information and videos can be found on their website or on the Facebook group NHS Lanarkshire Mums & Babies.

Businesses interested in joining the BFS Scheme can also request more by email.