MEDIA RELEASE 11 November 2009
The inaugural 2010 Breastmatesʼ Friendly Feeding award
nominations are now open to all New Zealand cafes, restaurants,
shops, parentsʼ rooms at shopping malls, parks, libraries, and
anywhere women can go in public and breastfeed their babies with
ease.
"New mums in particular will benefit from knowing in advance
where breastfeeding friendly places are located," says Breastmates
founder Frances McInnes.
"It can be terrifying as a new mother needing to feed a crying
baby with no facilities or unfeeling staff looking on. I hope this
will forearm breastfeeding mothers with the practical knowledge and
inside tips to make their experience more enjoyable."
Breastmates (www.breastmates.co.nz) is an award-winning online
maternity one-stop-shop specialising in breastfeeding necessities
and luxuries. McInnes is an guru on breastfeeding and is involved
with the Ministry of Healthʼs breastfeeding campaign. Sheʼs keenly
aware of New Zealand breastfeeding statistics, which are out of
step with the Ministryʼs ʻBreast is Bestʼ stance, especially among
Maori and Pacific women.
Currently only 38% of New Zealand mothers are exclusively
breastfeeding their babies at 6 months. (source: HealthPac
monitoring reports for 12 months to end of March 2008).
"Feeding dominates much of a new babyʼs life so making this as
happy for the mother and baby as possible is our aim," explains
McInnes, who is often shocked at the treatment breastfeeding
mothers receive around the world - such as the mother thrown off a
Delta airlines plane simply for breastfeeding her one-year-old
daughter onboard.
"The awards will raise awareness of the issues surrounding
inadequate breastfeeding areas and attitudes, while rewarding those
that are making an effort."
Judging criteria includes whether the area is quiet,
comfortable, has toddler toys, has water available, provides a
nappy changing area, is clean and tidy, has stroller access,
provides sun protection & shade, has nice staff and/or has
heating available for baby food/bottles.
Nominations can be made online at www.breastmates.co.nz
(now closed) and businesses with great
breastfeeding facilities can also include a button on their website
encouraging their customers / visitors to vote for them.There will
also be a place where you can nominate the worst places to
breastfeed.
Regional finalists will be announced and ʻMystery Mumsʼ will
then be sent out to test and judge the finalists to find the
ultimate Breastmatesʼ Friendly Feeding location around the
country.
May the breast mate win!
www.breastmates.co.nz For more information, images, interviews
with Frances or additional resources on breastfeeding, please
contact Breastmates on 07 827 8235 or email
frances@breastmates.co.nz