The visitor centre at HMP YOI Polmont has become the first in Scotland to sign up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) scheme.
The national scheme - which is implemented locally by NHS Boards - aims to raise the awareness of breastfeeding as the normal way to feed your baby as well as support parents to feel confident and relaxed to breastfeed in public places.
Lesley Hetherington, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator and Community Dietitian with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health Nutrition Team has been delivering training sessions with staff.
She said: "Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections as well as asthma, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes in later life.
"We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers; however benefits extend beyond physical health, as breastfeeding supports the parent baby relationship the mental health of both baby and parent.
"Every community and organisation across Scotland can play an important role in promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding."
