Encouraging a breastfeeding-friendly Western Isles

NHS Western Isles is proud to support Scottish Breastfeeding Week 2026, celebrating breastfeeding across Scotland and promoting a culture where it is seen, supported, and encouraged.

Breastfeeding belongs everywhere, and every mum deserves to feel confident feeding their baby. From those first feeds after birth to everyday life at home, in cafés, and in parks, breastfeeding is a normal part of life across Scotland. Behind every mum is a community that can uplift, support, and encourage.

In Scotland, it is illegal to stop a parent feeding their child, whether by breastfeeding or bottle feeding, in any setting where the public has general access. Deliberately preventing someone from feeding a child under the age of two in a public place is a criminal offence. It is also unlawful to ask a mother to move to another part of the premises or to leave.

Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful way to support a baby’s growth and immunity, while also promoting maternal health and strengthening emotional bonds. Its benefits extend beyond families to wider society.

Benefits for baby include:

• Optimal nutrition: Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients tailored to your baby’s needs.
• Immunity protection: Rich in antibodies, it helps protect against infections (e.g. respiratory illnesses, diarrhoea, ear infections).
• Long-term health: Associated with lower risks of obesity, diabetes, and some childhood cancers.
• Brain development: Supports cognitive development and may improve learning outcomes.
• Digestibility: Easier for babies to digest than formula.

Benefits for mum include:

• Physical recovery: Helps the uterus contract and reduces postnatal bleeding.
• Reduced disease risk: Lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
• Convenience: Always available, sterile, and at the right temperature.

Breastfeeding also has emotional and bonding benefits as it promotes strong attachment through skin-to-skin contact and increases oxytocin levels that support bonding and maternal wellbeing.

Lyn Macdonald, Midwifery Team Lead, said: “Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial starts we can give a baby, supporting their health and development from the very beginning. It also brings important health benefits for mothers and helps build a strong emotional bond between parent and child. In the Western Isles, we’re committed to supporting families every step of the way – whether that’s in hospital, at home, or through local groups like Bosom Buddies. Creating a community where breastfeeding is understood, welcomed and supported makes a real difference to parents’ confidence and experience.”

Local support is available through the Bosom Buddies breastfeeding group, which offers a friendly and informal space to meet other parents, share experiences, and receive practical advice from trained peer supporters and health visitors.

The group meets every Wednesday at the Fàilte Centre, Bayhead, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.