AREAS of North Wales have been recognised for the welcome and encouragement they give to breastfeeding mums.

Abergele, Llanberis and Caia Park in Wrexham are the first parts of the region to be named as “Breastfeeding Welcome Communities” because of the widespread support on offer for mothers, babies and their families.

The three locations all have effective peer and mutual support networks, dedicated groups led by specially-trained health visitors, and strong backing for breastfeeding in the business community.

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More than half of the independent businesses and venues in each area have signed up to the health board’s Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme – which encourages organisations to create a positive atmosphere for breastfeeding.

Families can now check our easy-to-use online map to find premises which are members of our the scheme, or look out for our logo in the window.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) worked with Dewis Cymru to create the interactive guide to businesses and other venues which have registered their support for breastfeeding.

It is the first time breastfeeding-positive venues have been mapped in this way anywhere in Wales.

Breastfeeding has many long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits for mothers and their babies; it protects against common infections and helps to reduce the risk of some serious illnesses.

BCUHB executive director of public health, Teresa Owen, said: “We want to do all we can to encourage and support breastfeeding.

“One of the ways we can help mums to continue breastfeeding is by making it as easy and comfortable as possible to feed while they are out and about.

“Our health visitors, infant feeding specialists and peer supporters offer lots of help for breastfeeding mothers in all areas of North Wales.

“But it is so heartening to see such strong support for breastfeeding in Abergele, Caia Park and Llanberis, and particularly such great support from the local business community in these areas.

“We would like to replicate the success of these areas across the whole region – and urge more businesses who are positive about supporting breastfeeding to put themselves on the map by signing up to our Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.”

Sara Jones runs a weekly breastfeeding support group at Canolfan Dinorben, Abergele.

She said the town’s strong community spirit helps breastfeeding mums to help one another.

“Breastfeeding groups like this are so important,” she said.

“They give new mums a really easy way to get support and information from a professional – it’s a drop-in so there’s no pressure, but we’re there to help if mums need it.

“It’s really relaxed, and mums who come along are meeting loads of others who are in a really similar situation.

Owner of Sglein Salon in Llanberis, Sioned Cumberton, said she had been inspired to become a member of the “Breastfeeding Welcome” scheme by her own experience as a mum.

“I can remember feeling really uncomfortable if I was out and feeding my son,” she said.

“I’d make sure I was facing the wall or had my mum with me to help cover me.

“As a mum you need to be going out – it helps to lift your mood and stops you feeling cut off. It makes a big difference if you know you’re going somewhere supportive, and it helps you feel more confident.”