The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme, led by the Public Health Agency (PHA), helps parents identify businesses and public venues have signed up to actively support families to breastfeed their babies comfortably, confidently and without judgement. With an impressive 120 businesses part of the programme across the Antrim and Newtownabbey area, the initiative is helping to normalise breastfeeding in everyday settings while building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Orlaith Moley, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both mother and baby. It supports a baby’s immune system, reduces the risk of infections and allergies, and lowers the likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. For mothers, it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and supports recovery after birth. It can also improve emotional wellbeing, helping mothers feel more connected and less isolated.

“While around half of new mums start breastfeeding, many stop early – often due to a lack of support, particularly when outside the home. Breastfeeding should be part of everyday life, but too often mothers feel uncomfortable feeding in public spaces. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme aims to change that by making support visible and accessible.

“Businesses which support breastfeeding often benefit in return, as mothers who feel welcome are more likely to return and recommend those venues to others.

“The support shown within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough is a great example of how a council area can support mothers to thrive in their breastfeeding journey.”  

For local mum of two Aimee McIlwaine, the presence of breastfeeding-friendly spaces has been transformative. 

Reflecting on her early experience, she said: “During my first breastfeeding journey I was quite anxious. I didn’t know anyone else who breastfed and I had latch issues. I found going out and about difficult – I actually found myself feeding my baby in toilets. I didn’t know enough about the support that was out there or where I could go to.”

Like many first-time mothers, Aimee adapted her routine to manage that uncertainty. 

“As a first-time mother, I used to pump my breastmilk and bring a bottle out with me, just in case I couldn’t find somewhere private,” she said.

Now breastfeeding her second baby with greater awareness and visibility of the ‘Welcome Here’ scheme, her experience has changed significantly.

“Knowing there are now so many places across the borough that are safe spaces to breastfeed my baby without judgement helps my confidence and means we can go further and stay out of the house for longer,” 

Aimee highlights that mothers on maternity leave represent an important but often overlooked group. 

“For businesses, mums on maternity leave are an untapped market. A café that is beneficial for mums will be busy as we will stay there longer if we feel like we don’t have to rush out if our baby needs fed,” she said. “The visibility of the stickers on the door not only reminds mums that it is a safe space, but it is also reassuring that the staff are trained to respond appropriately to anyone who doesn’t act kindly to breastfeeding.”

The benefits of the scheme extend beyond individual mothers and businesses to the wider community. By making breastfeeding more visible and accepted, it helps reduce stigma, strengthens support networks and creates more welcoming public spaces for families.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are officially signed up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme.

Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, said: “We are proud to join the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ scheme and to support families across our Borough. Breastfeeding is a normal and important part of family life, and we want all mums to feel confident, comfortable and welcomed when using our facilities and services.”

For Aimee, the contrast between her first and second breastfeeding journeys highlights the importance of that support.

“With my second baby, I have had a completely different experience. I am way less anxious and honestly I think I cared more than anyone else around me cared,” she said.

Her message to other mothers is one of encouragement. 

“Breastfeeding will have its ups and downs, but I knew the benefits so that’s what pushed me through. I would encourage all mums to enjoy their experience and know the support that is out there.”

More information on the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme, for both parents and business can be found at Breastfeeding welcome here scheme – businesses | Breastfed Babies