Cheshire West and Chester Council has voted to become a breastfeeding friendly borough.

The motion, titled ‘Supporting families to achieve their infant feeding goals,’ was proposed by Cllr Louise Gittins and seconded by Cllr Kate Cernik.

Breastfeeding rates at six to eight weeks in Cheshire West and Chester are lower than the national average. In 2020/21, it was just 42 per cent compared to the 47.6 per cent England average.

The council will now establish a new Breastfeeding Friendly Charter, making clear to all families that breastfeeding is welcomed in all public areas in the borough.

Cllr Cernik said: “There are barriers to breastfeeding in this country, some of which are cultural.

"There are organizations that offer advice and support, but sometimes they are seen as a bit middle-class. 

"Rates are better in countries where employers are supportive. In some countries, babies are brought into work to be breastfed, and women are allowed time to feed or express milk.

"Outside of that, evidence suggests that peer to peer support is one of the best ways of encouraging breastfeeding."

Local businesses will be encouraged to sign up to the charter, along with council and council company run premises, including schools, colleges and educational establishments.

It will also encourage customer-facing companies to provide breastfeeding friendly training.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises breastmilk as the 'ideal' first food for babies, with benefits including protection from infections, allergic disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the WHO recommends for babies until six months’ old and thereafter with other foods for two years and beyond.

The is also a considerable difference in breastfeeding rates between more and less deprived areas. In West Cheshire 2021/22, breastfeeding rates in different children’s centres varied from 19.3 per cent - 61.9 per cent.