Natalie Don-Innes MSP has marked Scottish Breastfeeding Week 2025 by celebrating the progress made in creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for breastfeeding families throughout Renfrewshire North and West, and across Scotland.
This year’s awareness week coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, which enshrined in law the right to breastfeed a child under the age of two in public, making it a criminal offence to stop or prevent a parent from doing so. It remains a landmark piece of legislation that underpins Scotland’s commitment to protecting families and normalising infant feeding.
Since being elected in 2021, Natalie has championed the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) scheme, encouraging local businesses and public spaces to create welcoming environments for breastfeeding mothers. Her constituency office in Renfrew was the second venue in Renfrewshire to sign up to the scheme - and now, just four years later, over 138 local businesses and organisations have joined the initiative.
Natalie also praised the work of local breastfeeding support groups and peer networks, which provide vital advice, reassurance and solidarity to parents at every stage of their feeding journey. These grassroots organisations play a key role in building confidence, breaking down stigma, and ensuring that no parent feels alone.
Earlier this week, the Scottish Government published the Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Strategic Framework 2025-2030, which sets out a clear plan for how Scotland will continue to reduce inequalities, support families, and improve infant feeding experiences across the country.
Speaking during Scottish Breastfeeding Week, SNP MSP Natalie Don-Innes said:
“I’m proud to mark Scottish Breastfeeding Week and celebrate all the mums who choose to breastfeed - and the families, healthcare professionals, and businesses who support them every step of the way.
"The 20th anniversary of the Breastfeeding Act reminds us of the progress we’ve made, but also of the importance of continuing to remove stigma and ensure that every family feels confident and welcome feeding their child, wherever they are.
“I’m particularly pleased with the growing support across Renfrewshire North and West, where over 130 businesses have now signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme. These are small but powerful changes that help to build a more inclusive community.
“I also want to recognise the incredible work of local breastfeeding support groups and peer networks, whose dedication and compassion make a huge difference to the lives of new mothers.
“I’m proud of the steps we’re taking as a nation to support families, helping to create a fairer and more equal Scotland for all.”
Businesses interested in joining the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme can find more information here: https://www.mygov.scot/breastfeeding-and-your-business