A MAJOR transport company has decided to promote breastfeeding on their buses as part of an NHS campaign.

Stagecoach West Scotland’s are now displaying 'Breastfeed Happily Here' stickers on 50 buses in the area as part of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s initiative.

The campaign, which is promoted by the Breastfeeding Network, is a way of ensuring that mums feel comfortable to breastfeed when they are out and about in the community. Businesses who sign up for the scheme display their sticker to let customers know that they welcome breastfeeding mums.

Stagecoach have joined The Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine and Threetowns Dental Care in Kilwinning, who have already signed up to the initiative, and marketing manager, Emma McNae believes it will make families feel more welcome on their buses,

She said: "We are delighted to support the Breastfeed Happily Here initiative which we hope will ensure that breastfeeding mums and the whole family will feel welcome on our bus services.”

The Breastfeeding (Scotland) Act 2005 means that it is illegal to stop a mother feeding her baby breast or formula milk in premises where the public has general access and Julie Peterkin of the Breastfeeding Network believes the support will be extremely helpful for mothers.

She said: “We are delighted with the outstanding support we have received from local businesses and organisations in Ayrshire and Arran. We have been overwhelmed with positive messages and stories on social media and in the community.”

If you own or work for a North Ayrshire business that would like to display a ‘Breastfeed Happily Here’ sticker, or if you would like to find out which venues have signed up, please contact the Breastfeeding Network Facebook page by searching for 'Breastfeed Happily Here Ayrshire' or email julie.peterkin@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

The Facebook page has some wonderful stories and pictures from mums who have had positive experiences around the area.