In an effort to break the stigma of breastfeeding in public, businesses across B.C. will now have the option of displaying a blue and white decal indicating they are a safe space for mothers to nourish children.
The move comes as a part of World Breastfeeding Week, something that public health nurse Mary-Jean Smith said is vital to a strong community.
Breastfeeding is a human right, Smith said, and families should feel comfortable feeding their babies wherever they go in the community.
B次元官网网址淭he more supportive places there are that people feel comfortable feeding in, then it helps the whole health of our population,B次元官网网址� she added.
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Mothers gathered at VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Bumble and Hive Play Centre to share their experiences of breastfeeding in public, and celebrate the centreB次元官网网址檚 decision to be the first in Victoria to sport the decal in its window.
B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 fantastic, thereB次元官网网址檚 this real lack of spaces for moms,B次元官网网址� said Sarah Nishimura, who was nursing her seven-month old daughter, Maeve. B次元官网网址淚 think weB次元官网网址檝e all been the mom thatB次元官网网址檚 nursing their babies sitting on a pile of dog food in Costco and kind of trying to cover up because you get looks.B次元官网网址�
Sheila Ford, who was nursing her five-month old daughter Kennedy, said no business has ever kicked her out, but patrons have asked her to cover up or given her dirty looks while she was nursing.
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B次元官网网址淣either one of my kids was able to nurse with a cover, they need too much help to get latched, and itB次元官网网址檚 the eye contact, they like the eye contact,B次元官网网址� Ford said. B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 eat under a blanket, I donB次元官网网址檛 expect them to either.B次元官网网址�
For Tamara Amoroso Gonsalvez, who was with her daughter Laura, having a safe space is more about changing the dialogue surrounding womenB次元官网网址檚 bodies.
B次元官网网址淲e live in a society that is kind of crazy; boobs in ads are okay, but putting your boob out to feed a baby, some people get uncomfortable,B次元官网网址� Amoroso Gosalvez said.
B次元官网网址淚 know some women, especially postpartum we donB次元官网网址檛 feel good about our bodies, so breastfeeding in public can be a challengeB次元官网网址f we donB次元官网网址檛 have a friendly environment it can be very traumatic,B次元官网网址� she added.
For Bumble and Hive business owner Teresa Tarnow, offering a safe space for mothers was a no-brainer.
ItB次元官网网址檚 very important for communities to create spaces and welcome mothers who breastfeed, pump and formula feed in public, she said. B次元官网网址淚t just creates a welcoming community and a sense of acceptance and a it makes mothers feel safe and respected.B次元官网网址�
The decal is presented by a cluster of local and provincial health services, including the BC Baby-Friendly Network, Perinatal Services BC and Island Health.
They can be picked up at any local public health unit while supplies last. For more information, you can visit
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