Glasgow Baby Cafes have supported over a thousand new mums

Glasgow’s Baby Cafés have helped over 1,200 new mothers to breastfeed over the last five years, according to new figures from NCT.
By Dawn Renton
Published 2nd Dec 2019, 07:59 BST

Baby Cafes in Govanhill and Barrhead offer free support to local mothers who want to breastfeed.

The Baby Cafes are celebrating their fifth anniversaries in the coming weeks with birthday parties which all local mothers and their children are invited to attend.

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Baby Cafes provide opportunities for pregnant women and new mums to get the social support of others in the same situation and receive information about breastfeeding from NCT peer supporters and health professionals.

Many women start breastfeeding but stop early on because of a lack of information and support. Research shows that 80% of women who stop breastfeeding in the first few weeks would have liked to continue.

Donna McSwiggan, Scottish Breastfeeding Programme Manager, NCT, said: “We’re delighted to have helped so many new mums in Glasgow to breastfeed. We set up Baby Cafes in areas where breastfeeding rates were low and these results have shown our peer supporters have had a significant impact.

“For those who can’t attend our Baby Cafes, there is lots of information on the NCT website about breastfeeding and formula feeding, and a support line to help new parents with feeding.”

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Glasgow Baby Cafes are a partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and are commissioned by the Scottish Government.

Glasgow Baby Cafes have helped 1,205 women to breastfeed. Barrhead Baby Café has had over 700 visits, helping 258 mothers to breastfeed and Govanhill Baby Café has had over 2,000 visits, helping 606 mothers with breastfeeding.

Celebrations will take place at Govanhill Baby Café, Daisy Street Centre, on Tuesday, December 3 11am – 1pm; and Barrhead Baby Café, Arthurlie Family Centre, on Thursday December 12 2pm – 3.30pm.