We’re supporting World Breastfeeding Week 2025 which is focussing on the environment and climate change and encouraging us all to promote a breastfeeding culture, creating a sustainable environment.
Here in North Lanarkshire, we’re actively encouraging breastfeeding and leading the way by driving a shift in culture change. Together with our partners we’re making it easier for parents and families and improving accessibility, creating a breastfeeding friendly environment at all levels; health, education, workplace and community.
One recent milestone shows that 50.7% of babies born in North Lanarkshire are now being breastfed; the first time this benchmark has been surpassed in the area. This positive trend reflects an increasing awareness among new mothers of the health and developmental benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child and supportive communities.
To mark World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) Depute Leader Louise Roarty visited one of the many breastfeeding groups that meet across the area to see and hear first-hand of the help on offer to support breastfeeding. She said: “Everyone has a role to play in creating supportive and sustainable environments for breastfeeding, and hearing from parents and carers at their local Breastfeeding Group reaffirms this.
“Providing welcoming spaces across our communities and workplaces to support new parents breastfeeding, educating our young people and changing the culture of breastfeeding to it being seen at the ‘norm’ are key to increasing breastfeeding rates and creating healthier communities.
“Breastfeeding is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe, produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste and is the sustainable solution that is good for the planet and its people. It’s incredible to think that while breastfeeding parents are also protecting the environment too!”
Councillors Geraldine Woods and Fiona Fotheringham tabled a motion at a recent meeting of the full council, backing World Breastfeeding Week.
The motion also recognised the efforts of council staff and all staff working in NHS Lanarkshire’s Infant Feeding and Maternity Services and other partner organisations for their ongoing effort to support, encourage and promote breastfeeding.