A leading sports and leisure centre in Bridgwater is celebrating their first anniversary as a Somerset ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ venue.

Trinity Sports and Leisure was nominated for the award following positive feedback about its helpful approach to families.

The award is given to venues that have made a significant commitment to uphold the rights of mothers by supporting their choice to feed their baby how and whenever they choose.

1610 General Manager for Trinity Sports and Leisure, Chris Skidmore, said: “Trinity Sports and Leisure is very proud to be part of this award as we do our utmost to make it a welcoming place for families. Breastfeeding can be a sensitive issue and it is important that all the mums and families who to the centre feel happy feeding their babies in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.”

Councillor Christine Lawrence,  Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Somerset County Council said: “I am delighted that such a public commitment to supporting breastfeeding mums is being made by Positive About Breastfeeding venues. We know the importance of breastfeeding in promoting good health for both mum and for baby.

“We want Somerset to be a leading Positive About Breastfeeding county where families are supported to make the natural choice in infant feeding. As part of this, we also want parents to feel welcomed and supported to breastfeed when out and about in Somerset.”

Other venues around the County are encouraged to apply for Positive About Breastfeeding status. All organisations are listed on the new Positive About
Breastfeeding website: http://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/breastfeeding

Find out how your organisation can become registered as Positive About Breastfeeding and be promoted on our new website at: http://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/breastfeeding http://www.facebook.com/Somersetbreastfeeding

Somerset families are also encouraged to take a look at the new ‘Breastfeeding Friend’ tool launched nationally.

The 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend from Public Health England’s programme Start4Life has been made available on Google Home and the Google assistant app for mobiles to provide even more parents with advice and support during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The tool is voice activated on Google Assistant, meaning mums can get NHS-approved advice whenever they need it.