For every mother who has put up with disapproving looks while breastfeeding in a cafe away from home, hope could be here.
Starbucks has become the first high street retailer to be granted ‘parent friendly’ status by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
Around 800 branches of the coffee chain will display the ‘Parent Friendly Places’ badge in their windows, showing they have ‘committed to ensuring a supportive environment for parents’.
Under the scheme, the stores must ensure parents are welcome and supported to feed their child either by breastfeeding, using a bottle or in a high chair. Baristas will also be trained in how best to accommodate parents.
The NCT said it hoped the agreement with Starbucks would pave the way for other high street chains becoming more family-friendly.
Its charter means the coffee chain must commit to providing ’a warm welcome’ to families, a place to feed ‘without judgment’ and promise assistance from staff in finding seats or carrying equipment.
Dr Sarah McMullen, of the NCT, said: ‘We know from our members that many struggle with unwanted attention and comments on their feeding method, whether it’s by breast, bottle or in a high chair, when out and about with their baby or child.
‘It’s important that parents feel reassured they have the support of staff and won’t be judged. We also know that it can be a challenge for establishments to understand and assist with the needs of parents with very young children.
‘We believe this Charter will address the challenges parents face on the High Street and hope that other retailers will follow suit in becoming more parent-friendly.’
Rhys Iley, of Starbucks, added: ‘We want all of our customers to have a good experience at Starbucks and we recognise that parents out on their own with very young children, sometimes for the first time, appreciate some support.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3473982/Badge-says-breastfeeding-mothers-welcome-Starbucks-chain-granted-parent-friendly-status.html
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