What Is the Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation?

Breastfeeding
Friendly Spaces UPDATE
Issue two
Supporting Staff Returning to Work
A mother’s decision to continue breastfeeding is often influenced
by having to return to work. For UrbanKids Early Learning Centre,
being able to support breastfeeding mothers returning to work is the
norm and part of their everyday routine. The centre has achieved
Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation, and with two current staff
members’ breastfeeding, being Breastfeeding Friendly is just part of
how things work at UrbanKids.
“To us, we not only need to support our
mothers and whānau, but for a child’s
immunity breastfeeding is important.
We value the importance of supporting
our staff and families who are returning
to work to continue breastfeeding,”
says UrbanKids’ manager, Krystal Clarke.
Shannon Durbin, who teaches at
UrbanKids, returned to work three
months after the birth of her son
Shayelle, and continued to breastfeed
for eight months with the support of
her workplace. Likewise, fellow teacher
and breastfeeding mum, Raelene Kuka,
said being able to continue breastfeeding
was big part of her decision to return to
work.
Having also recently
achieved their Whānau
Award as part of the
Heart Foundation’s
Healthy Heart Award,
UrbanKids’ Breastfeeding
Friendly policy supports
their promotion of
healthy kai and good oral
health for their whānau
and community.
Tutū Māori Home-Based
Early Childhood
Education Care
Tutū Māori Home-Based Early Childhood Education Care
have achieved Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation. Their 40
home-based educarer’s have received their Breastfeeding
Friendly certificates and signage which they are able to
display to support mothers and their whānau.
“Our goal at Tutū is to encourage, support and nurture
learning at home. Part of this is supporting our whānau and
community. By becoming Breastfeeding Friendly accredited,
we hope to make it easier for mothers and whānau wanting
to breastfeed their tamariki,” says breastfeeding mama, and
Tutū’s manager, Phillipa Patea.
Tutū’s early childhood education programme manager,
Angela Coffin, also confirmed the importance of
breastfeeding for children, “Breast is best, it has the
essential nutrients to boost a child’s immunity.”
Breastfeeding mum and
UrbanKids Early Learning Centre
Teacher, Shannon Durbin,
feeding her beautiful boy
Shayelle.
Breastfeeding Friendly
at Koutu Playcentre
Rotorua’s Koutu Playcentre is committed to providing a
comfortable and supportive setting for breastfeeding mum’s and
have become the first playcentre in the Lakes region to achieve
Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation from Toi Te Ora – Public
Health Service (Toi Te Ora). Mothers wishing to breastfeed their
child have a selection of areas to sit in, including a sunny spot
outdoors where they can watch children play.
Koutu Playcentre’s approach to breastfeeding is supported by the
parents at Koutu Playcentre, who are proud of the welcoming
facilities offered to families. “Mums are welcome to breastfeed
their babies and this is normal practice at our playcentre. It’s
great that we now have signage to enhance what we already do,”
says Rebecca Ward, whose child attends Koutu Playcentre.
Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces advisor, Bridget Chiwawa says,
“By creating breastfeeding friendly environments, we hope
mothers will feel more comfortable while breastfeeding their
babies in public spaces and Koutu Playcentre are a great
champion for this cause.”
Key Messages
For Staff
For new staff on induction, those returning to work, or as
an ongoing refresher, refer to these key messages about the
benefits of breastfeeding.
Why is being Breastfeeding Friendly
important?
The Ministry of Health recommends that mothers exclusively/
fully breastfeed until their babies are around six months
old, and then continue breastfeeding with the introduction
of solid foods. Mothers may need help from their family,
health services, workplace, childcare centres, and the wider
community to feel encouraged and supported to breastfeed.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
 Breast milk is the best first food for babies to help ensure
optimal growth, development and health.
 Breast milk is easily digested, immediately available and
always fresh.
 Breastfeeding promotes health in both mother and baby.
 Breast milk provides babies with a perfect blend of
nutrients and protective antibodies, which play an
important role in protecting against illnesses like colds,
tummy bugs, allergies, asthma and infections.
Why should we support mothers to
breastfeed in public?
 Babies need to be fed anywhere and at any time.
 It can be daunting to breastfeed in public.
 Some mothers have had negative experiences when
breastfeeding in public.
 We need to help to mothers feel comfortable about
breastfeeding in public.
What Is the
Breastfeeding Friendly
Spaces Accreditation?
Research has highlighted several reasons for mothers not
breastfeeding at all, or for stopping breastfeeding early. These
include mothers returning to work, the social perception of
breastfeeding, and the lack of knowledge around expressing,
storing and heating breast milk.
Toi Te Ora supports the good health and wellbeing of people in
the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts. This includes fostering the
development of environments that support a healthy lifestyle
through nutrition for everyone, breastfeeding babies included.
Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces accreditation creates and sustains
Breastfeeding Friendly environments with the goal of increasing
breastfeeding rates and duration. The accreditation aims to
normalise breastfeeding in public so mothers will feel more
comfortable while breastfeeding. This will have a positive effect
for the babies being breastfed and also for onlookers who may
influence a decision to breastfeed in the future.
Since Toi Te Ora began this phase of the project in August 2011,
over 140 Early Childhood Services (ECE’s), businesses, cafes,
restaurants, retailers and libraries in Rotorua, Taupo, Western Bay
of Plenty and Eastern Bay of Plenty have created Breastfeeding
Friendly environments, and achieved Breastfeeding Friendly
Spaces accreditation. Overall, feedback indicates that the initiative
is sustaining supportive environments for mothers and their
families.
Public health outcomes cannot be achieved by the health sector
alone. This initiative supports the work of businesses, workplaces
and other health services to increase breastfeeding rates and
duration by providing breastfeeding friendly environments where
community members live, work, learn and play.
Did you know?
Breastfeeding is an international human right. Mothers are
permitted to breastfeed in public and at work under the
Human Rights Act (1993) and international law.
This means:
Mothers have the right to breastfeed their baby anywhere,
anytime.
4 hours room temperature
So what can we do to be
breastfeeding friendly?
 Include a workplace policy in your training manual that
states you support mothers to breastfeed.
 Be supportive of mothers who breastfeed.
 Here are some practical options you can consider:
– Have a suitable space available for breastfeeding (not
the toilet!)
– Offer them a glass of water
4 months (approximately)
freezer
2 days fridge
Breastfeeding is Kapai
Opotiki’s Kapai Kai Café is leading the
way in providing a supportive place for
breastfeeding mums, after becoming
the first eatery in the town to achieve
Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation
from Toi Te Ora.
“We already support mothers to
breastfeed in our café alongside their
whānau,” says Kapai Kai Café’s Michelle
Schiavi. “Becoming Breastfeeding
Friendly accredited is another way we
can support them.”
Last year during World Breastfeeding
Week, the café hosted a Big Latch On
event in which mums participated in a
bid to break the record for the number
of women breastfeeding simultaneously
across New Zealand. The event was
supported by Whakatohea Iwi Social
and Health Service’s Tamariki Ora
Nurse, Dale Grace, who, along with
the team at Kapai Kai Café, is looking
forward to the Big Latch On 2015.
“We’re really impressed with the
amount of support and enthusiasm
from businesses. Kapai Kai Cafe is
a great example - they provide a
Kapai Kai Café’s staff members, Michelle
Schiavi and Geneil Warren with their
Breastfeeding Friendly signage from Toi
Te Ora.
welcoming and supportive space for
mothers’ breastfeeding their pepi,
comfortable chairs are available and
an area for other children to play,” says
Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces advisor,
Louise Harvey.
Le Café De Paris Does it Again
Le Café De Paris is one of many cafes
and businesses in Rotorua who are
Breastfeeding Friendly accredited. What
sets them apart is that they are one of
three pioneering cafes who achieved
breastfeeding accreditation when first
approached by a different provider
more than ten years ago. To date, they
have carried this tradition of caring
for mothers and babies dining at their
facility. “We have been doing this for a
long time because it makes sense and is
normal,” says Valerie Janin, owner and
operator of the café.
Valerie Janin, owner and operator of Le
Café De Paris with Breastfeeding Friendly
Spaces advisor, Bridget Chiwawa, holding
up their certificate.
New Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation
signage is proudly displayed on the
wall and window of the establishment
as testimony of their support for
breastfeeding mothers and their
babies. Should any mother wish for a
warm, welcoming place that supports
breastfeeding in Rotorua, Valerie will be
happy to welcome you with a smile.
Meet Our New
Breastfeeding
Friendly Spaces
Advisor
Dana Thomson
commenced
with Toi Te Ora in
September 2014.
Prior to this, her
most recent work
was based within
local government
in Victoria, where
she worked in partnership with health
agencies to promote healthy eating and
physical activity. Dana has a Bachelor
of Nutrition and Dietetics from Monash
University, Melbourne, and is currently
completing her Masters of Public
Health. She is an accredited dietitian
and is passionate about supporting
breastfeeding. Dana says, “Breastfeeding
is beautiful, natural and healthy and it is
crucial that it’s recognised as a socially
acceptable way to nourish your baby,
no matter where you happen to be.
I’m really looking forward to working
to support shops and cafes across
the Eastern Bay of Plenty to become
Breastfeeding Friendly.”
Breastfeeding
Friendly tip
Check out
the new and
improved
breastfeeding
magnet!
This includes
information
on how to
store and
heat breast
milk. Along
with a bottle label, this is a handy,
practical measure that can be included
in ECE service starter and enrolment
packs, or staff induction folders.
Check out a Breastfeeding Friendly
Accredited Space near you
Early Childhood
Education Services
ABC Rotorua East
Central City Quality Educare, Pukaki St
Central City Quality Educare, Pukuatua St
Kidz World Rutland Street
Kidz World Brent Road
Kidz World Maisey Place
Kiwi Educare Ltd
Koutu Playcentre
Kreative Kidz
Mountain View Preschool
Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre
Rotorua Childcare Centre Inc
Rotorua Girls High School Childcare Trust
Rotorua SFYP Childcare Centre
Quality Kidz
The Ole House Childcare Centre
Tiny Tots Educare
Topkids Lynmore
Topkids Pukuatua
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Anglican Homebased Childcare
Awakeri Playcentre
Mananui Playcentre
Port Ohope Playcentre
St Georges Education and Childcare Centre
Te Aria Toka Ki Te Whakatohea
Wairaka Playcentre
Western Bay of Plenty
4woods Early Learning Centre
ABC Bayfair
ABC Papamoa
Active Kids Early Learning Centre
Arataki Kindergarten
Ark Early Childhood Centre
Greenpark Playcentre
First Steps Mount Maunganui
First Steps Papamoa
Friends on Fraser
Little Sweethearts Montessori
Matua Plunket Kindergarten
Merivale Whanau Aroha Centre
Montessori at Bethlehem
Montessori at Otumoetai
Mount Community Kindy
OPEYS Education and Care Centre
Quality Kidz
St Mary’s Mount Maunganui
The Children’s Garden
TopKids Ngatai Road
TopKids Waihi Road
Tutu Maori Home-Based Early Childhood
Education
UrbanKids Early Learning Centre
Taupo
Abacus Childcare Centre
Community Kindy Heuheu Street
My Treehut Early Learning Centre
Taupo Children’s Corner Lakewood Drive
Taupo Chidren’s Corner Duncan Street
Taupo Children’s Corner Wheretia Street
Taupo Family Playcentre
Taupo Kids Community Centre
Topkids Motutaiko
Topkids Totara Street
Businesses, Cafes, Restaurants
and Health Providers
Western Bay of Plenty
Arena Cafe (ASB Baypark Mt Maunganui)
Cafe 100
Cameo Cafe
Dry Dock Cafe
Deli on Top
Greerton Library
Grindz Cafe
Mt Maunganui Library
Rotorua
ABC Central
ABC Hillcrest
ABC Kawaha Point
ABC Monokia
Local Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Advisors
For more on the Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation visit our website
www.ttophs.govt.nz/breastfeeding or contact one of your local Breastfeeding
Friendly Spaces Advisors:
Lakes
1st Floor
1166 Amohau Street
ROTORUA
Bridget
Chiwawa
07 349 7269
Western
Bay of Plenty
Level 1
510 Cameron Road
TAURANGA
Louise Harvey
07 577 3763
Eastern
Bay of Plenty
Cnr Stewart & Garaway Streets
Whakatane Hospital
WHAKATANE
Dana Thomson
07 577 3776
Pacific Coast Technical Institute
Pak N Save Papamoa
Papamoa Library
Pirirakau Hauora
Robert Harris Coffee Roasters (Tauranga)
Royal New Zealand Plunket Bay of Plenty
Sober Camel
Spring St Cafe
Tauranga Library
Eastern Bay of Plenty
Baxters Cafe
Cafe Coco
Columbus Cafe - The Hub
EastBay REAP
Fig Cafe
JJ’s Cafe
Julians Berry Farm
Kapai Kai Cafe, Opotiki
McDonalds Family Restaurant
Poppys Cafe
Robert Harris Coffee Roasters (Whakatane)
Royal New Zealand Plunket Bay of Plenty
Ruth’s Kitchen
The Village Bakery
Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau Health Education and
Social Services Trust
Whakatohea Iwi Social and Health Services
Rotorua
Aunty Annie’s
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Le Cafe De Paris
Linton Park Community Centre
McDonalds Fenton Street
McDonalds Fairy Springs
McDonalds Te Ngae
Mr. Rental
Nando’s
Rotorua District Library
Rotorua Plunket Clinic
The Bakehouse Cafe
Wendy’s
Taupo
Cinnamon Fine Indian Cusine and Bar
Fast and Fresh Bakery Cafe
Friends Cafe
Kissa-Kai Japanese Cafe
Modern Midwifery
Checklist
Signed Brea
stfeeding F
riendly or
Nutrition p
olicy with re
vi
ew date
Staff are aw
are of key
breastfeedin
g messages
Comfortab
le space is a
vailable
Support in
place for
breastfeedin
g staff
Milk storag
e and heati
ng
methods are
in place
Information
is included
in ECE
service enro
lment/start
e
r packs
Signage is d
isplayed
Reaccredite
d every two
years