THE leisure centre@Carnival Hub is a breastfeeding friendly venue, and will display a certificate on site, train its staff, and offer a supportive environment.
Places Leisure, the council’s leisure provider, has signed up for the Breastfeeding Network’s Breastfeeding Network’s (BfN) Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme.
The scheme gives families confidence about breastfeeding when visiting public places by providing a safe space.
Concerns such as embarrassment and negative public attitudes can prevent women from feeling comfortable feeding their babies in public.
The Department of Health guidance states that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby, with exclusively breast milk recommended for the first six months, where possible.
Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said:
“Giving our residents a safe environment is so important when it comes to encouraging and enabling breastfeeding.
“While they may know of the benefits and have a desire to breastfeed their child, they can feel put off if there isn’t an accepting and friendly place for them to visit.
“With the opening of the new leisure centre, we have the chance to show our residents that we support women’s choice to breastfeed, and we are also helping to promote positive and safe spaces by working with the Breastfeeding Network.”
Tony Penge, the contract manager for Places Leisure, Wokingham, said:
“We are very proud to be part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme here at Wokingham Leisure Centre, as we do our utmost to make it a welcoming place for families.
“Breastfeeding can be a sensitive issue and it is important that mums and families feel happy about feeding their babies in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
“We make mums feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding and we hope mums, especially new mums, feel at ease as there are a number of them feeding in our coffee shop after their activity.
“We have lots of sessions available at the centre for mums and babies, including swimming lessons, bounce and play sessions and group exercise classes – it’s also a great place to make new friends and socialise.”
For more information about wokingham Leisure Centre, log on to: www.placesleisure.org/centres/wokingham-leisure-centre
For breastfeeding information and advice log on to: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
