23/04/2014
Consultation Expected On Breastfeeding Law
A public consultation is to be held on a proposed new law giving mothers the right to breastfeed in public.
The new law, which could be enacted in Northern Ireland in 2016, will be similar to legislation introduced in Scotland in 2005, which made it illegal to prevent nursing mothers breastfeeding in places like cafes, bars, buses and shopping centres.
Currently, mothers that breastfeed are protected under sex discrimination laws, however the new legislation will go further, with businesses and employers facing fines if they fail to comply.
No date for a consultation has yet been set.
(MH/JP)
The new law, which could be enacted in Northern Ireland in 2016, will be similar to legislation introduced in Scotland in 2005, which made it illegal to prevent nursing mothers breastfeeding in places like cafes, bars, buses and shopping centres.
Currently, mothers that breastfeed are protected under sex discrimination laws, however the new legislation will go further, with businesses and employers facing fines if they fail to comply.
No date for a consultation has yet been set.
(MH/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 September 2023
QUB Joins PHA's 'Breastfeeding Welcome Here' Scheme
The Public Health Agency's (PHA) has welcomed Queen's University Belfast as the latest organisation to join their Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums.
QUB Joins PHA's 'Breastfeeding Welcome Here' Scheme
The Public Health Agency's (PHA) has welcomed Queen's University Belfast as the latest organisation to join their Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums.
31 July 2023
Breastfeeding Mothers Must Be Supported – PHA
Breastfeeding mothers must be supported at every step of their journey, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said, ahead of World Breastfeeding Week on Tuesday 01 August. Between 2010–2020 the rates of breastfeeding in NI at discharge rose from 45% to 50%, however there is a big drop off with only 21% receiving breastmilk at 6 months.
Breastfeeding Mothers Must Be Supported – PHA
Breastfeeding mothers must be supported at every step of their journey, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said, ahead of World Breastfeeding Week on Tuesday 01 August. Between 2010–2020 the rates of breastfeeding in NI at discharge rose from 45% to 50%, however there is a big drop off with only 21% receiving breastmilk at 6 months.
14 May 2003
Report reveals NI not convinced breast is best
The latest research figures have revealed that Northern Ireland still has the lowest uptake of breastfeeding in the UK. Commissioned by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, the survey indicated that a lack of social acceptability for breastfeeding is one of the main reasons that mums in Northern Ireland resort to bottle feeding.
Report reveals NI not convinced breast is best
The latest research figures have revealed that Northern Ireland still has the lowest uptake of breastfeeding in the UK. Commissioned by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, the survey indicated that a lack of social acceptability for breastfeeding is one of the main reasons that mums in Northern Ireland resort to bottle feeding.
30 July 2019
PHA Encourage Support For Breastfeeding Mums
The Public Health Agency is encouraging greater support for breastfeeding mothers ahead of World Breastfeeding Week which begins this Thursday, 01 August. Although choosing to breastfeed can leave mothers solely responsible for their child's nourishment, the important role of family, friends and employers in the process has been highlighted.
PHA Encourage Support For Breastfeeding Mums
The Public Health Agency is encouraging greater support for breastfeeding mothers ahead of World Breastfeeding Week which begins this Thursday, 01 August. Although choosing to breastfeed can leave mothers solely responsible for their child's nourishment, the important role of family, friends and employers in the process has been highlighted.
12 February 2008
University 'Gets Abreast' Of Baby Feeding Problem
Northern Ireland has long been acknowledged as having both the lowest initial take up of breastfeeding and the poorest duration. Now, a programme devised by researchers at the University of Ulster has been shown to significantly increase the length of time new mothers breastfeed their infants.
University 'Gets Abreast' Of Baby Feeding Problem
Northern Ireland has long been acknowledged as having both the lowest initial take up of breastfeeding and the poorest duration. Now, a programme devised by researchers at the University of Ulster has been shown to significantly increase the length of time new mothers breastfeed their infants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.