A shoe shop is the latest to sign up to the Breastfeed Happily campaign.

Goody2Shoes in Kilwinning Main Street has signs to NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s public breastfeeding initiative, which is a way of making sure that employees and customers are aware that it is illegal to stop a mother feeding her baby breast or formula milk in premises where the public has general access.

Venues display the Breastfeed happily here sticker to let all customers know that breastfeeding in public is protected by law and that they openly support and encourage mothers to feed their babies.

Pauline Cassidy, Manager of Goody2Shoes – Ayr, Kilwinning and Largs said: “I was surprised to learn that many people are not aware of the law - even mums.

“We are happy to help get the message out there to our staff and customers that it’s perfectly normal for women to breastfeed in public and in our shop.”

Ruth Campbell, Consultant Dietitian in Public Health Nutrition, explains: “We want all mothers in Ayrshire and Arran to make their choice about breastfeeding feeling fully informed and supported not only by us, but by their peers and local community.

“Mums want to be out and about with their new babies, who may need fed every few hours. There should be no barriers to them feeling able to do that.

“We have more proven information about the benefits of breastfeeding than we ever had before. We know that breast milk helps protect babies from things like ear and chest infections, as well as tummy upsets like diarrhoea and vomiting. Long term, it means children have a lower risk of diabetes, eczema and obesity later in life.”

If you would like to find out which venues have signed up to the Breastfeed happily here campaign, or you are a business owner who would like to display a sticker, please email ayrshire@ breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

The ‘Breastfeed happily here Ayrshire’ Facebook page has the latest news of venues that have signed up, as well as pictures, stories and videos from breastfeeding mums around Ayrshire.

If you are a mother looking for breastfeeding advice and support, speak to your midwife or health visitor. You can also visit https://www. breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk or call National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

The Breastfeeding Network also runs free groups every day across Ayrshire where you can receive support and information.