Five Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings in Angus - Airlie, Andover, Ladyloan, Abbey View and Ladybird Playgroup have achieved the Breastfeeding Friendly Accreditation Award, reinforcing their commitment to creating welcoming, informed environments that support breastfeeding.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Accreditation Award is part of a national pilot developed in partnership with the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland and led by the Infant Nutrition Team in the Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside.
The training provided by NHS Scotland has increased staff knowledge and understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding. All staff have engaged in learning and implemented new practice and resources in their settings. This has included discussing breastfeeding with children during play, adapting role-play environments, introducing relevant books and resources, and making sure the setting is welcoming for breastfeeding parents and visitors.
Breastfeeding rates in Scotland mean that many children may never have seen someone breastfeeding or be aware that this is an option.
Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Co-Ordinator, Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside is supporting a wider rollout of the initiative across Angus in partnership with the Early Years team. Developing staff knowledge and understanding will ensure a supportive environment can be created where children can learn about healthy and natural feeding practices.
Feedback from participating settings highlights the positive impact for children and staff:
Ladybird Playgroup shared:
“This has been a great initiative for us to work on alongside our expectant mum practitioner. The children have been really interested in learning about breastfeeding.”
Ladyloan ELC said:
“We did the training as a staff team which invited rich discussion with our male and female staff.”
Abbey View added :
“We made stronger links with the health visitors and had a midwife for from Arbroath infirmary come along and talk to the children.”
Photo of Ladybird Playgroup.