'We pride ourselves on our diverse range of facilities' - Meadowhall defends its breastfeeding facilities following council criticism

There are 260 breastfeeding friendly venues in Sheffield, but in a report the council wants more organisations to provide facilities and was particularly critical of Meadowhall

Council officer Debbie Hanson said: “In the town centre there are department stores with unsatisfactory facilities and there’s a long-standing issue with breastfeeding support in Meadowhall and on public transport.

“It is essential that the council sets the standard in this area of public health and encourages other large and small organisations to follow their lead.”

Meadowhall said it always strives to improve its facilities and welcomed any feedback.

A spokesman said: “At Meadowhall we pride ourselves on offering a number of facilities to accommodate the diverse range of needs of our customers, including a nursing room, baby changing facilities which have recently undergone refurbishment, as well as ensuring all staff are trained to provide the necessary support and guidance.

“We would like to remind all nursing mothers that these private areas are available should they wish to use them.

“We are also currently reviewing how we promote the amenities available throughout the centre to help customers feel at ease and ensure everyone visiting Meadowhall has the best possible experience.”

The council also wants Stagecoach, Sheffield International Venues, South Yorkshire Police, schools, libraries, housing offices and family centres to become breastfeeding friendly too.

Coun Jackie Drayton, Cabinet member for children and families, told a meeting: “We want to make Sheffield the best place to breastfeed in the country.

“When I first came to Sheffield I had a young baby and was trying to find a breastfeeding support group but there wasn’t one in Burngreave, I had to go to the south west of the city to find somewhere. It fills me with great pride that now, wherever you live, there will be somewhere to go to.”

The government recommends exclusive breastfeeding until baby is six months but in Sheffield the rate drops from around 80 per cent at delivery to 50 per cent in the first few weeks after birth.