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As a parent or carer, how you choose to feed your baby is completely your choice. However, it's important to know that breastmilk provides an ideal start for newborns. It's uniquely designed for each baby and is packed with nutrients and antibodies that help protect their health, not just as infants but throughout their life. If more families in the UK breastfed, we could reduce common childhood illnesses and potentially save the NHS around £50 million each year (UNICEF).

The first milk your body produces is called colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold.” This thick, nutrient-rich milk is full of essential goodness for your newborn.

Another important step you can take is skin-to-skin contact right after birth. Holding your baby close against your bare skin not only helps with bonding but also promotes milk production and helps regulate your baby's temperature and breathing. Plus, this is a wonderful way for partners to connect and bond with the baby too.

As a breastfeeding mother, you have the legal right to feed your baby anywhere, thanks to the Equality Act 2010. Despite this, we understand that many women don’t always feel confident breastfeeding in public, and across the country, 8 out of 10 women stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned.

That’s where the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme comes in. This initiative encourages businesses to create comfortable and welcoming spaces for breastfeeding parents. You’ll find breastfeeding-friendly venues in cafes, restaurants, libraries, and shops across Barnsley. Some libraries even have special breastfeeding chairs to help you feel at ease.

To find out where you can comfortably breastfeed, check the list of Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme venues.

Keep an eye out for the logo in shop windows – it’s a sign that the business supports breastfeeding families

We want to champion breastfeeding across Barnsley, creating a borough where families can breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

Included in this is the workplace, and we want to ensure breastfeeding parents are supported to continue their feeding journeys when returning to work.

This is why Barnsley Council Children's Public Health team have created the Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Scheme. The scheme seeks to enhance breastfeeding support for staff returning to the workplace following maternity leave.

We know that returning to work after having a baby can be tough; juggling the challenges of a baby and a job. One of the key issues faced by employees is the continuation of breastfeeding, with many feeling that a return to work marks the end of their breastfeeding journey.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Scheme is aimed at businesses interested in supporting staff members to return to the workplace, whilst breastfeeding or expressing. To find out more information please contact publichealthcyp@barnsley.gov.uk

Breastfeeding your baby

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding in Barnsley – Anytime, Anywhere

The Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Scheme

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Click here for Breastfeeding Groups

Click here for Breastfeeding Websites

Click here for Breastfeeding Helplines

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