MOTHERS who fear breastfeeding in public can feel “welcome” in Ilford thanks to an awareness scheme.

Women can feed their children in a safe environment at Shahan Restaurant, Coffee Republic, Sheezan Café, Kake Haus, Ruby’s Restaurant and Titanic Café.

Redbridge Council has been working alongside high street businesses to ensure more declare themselves are “breastfeeding welcome” as part of the Public Health England intiaitive.

So far, 16 places in Ilford have signed up to the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome’ project – one of the highest in any London borough.

Owner of Titanic Café, Oran Erkan, said: “My wife breastfed both of our young children so I understand the importance of mothers being made to feel comfortable when feeding and wanted to support women.

“Breastfeeding is a natural process. Mothers should be able to feed their children wherever they are, just as we adults can eat anywhere when we are hungry.

“Since having the breastfeeding sticker in our window we have seen more women and young families coming to Titanic Café, and many of our customers have given us positive feedback.

“We hope more women with young children will use our café and find it a comfortable place to feed their babies.”

Cllr Khayer Chowdhury, member of the children and young people service committee, said: “It is really important that everyone feels welcome in our town centre.

“Ilford is a family area, and supporting breastfeeding in public is part of encouraging community spirit. We hope that more local companies will take up the initiative in the near future.”

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