Rhyl, Holywell and Llangefni have been named Breastfeeding Welcomed Communities
August 7, 2025
Three more areas of North Wales have been recognised for the welcome and encouragement they give to breastfeeding mums
Rhyl, Holywell and Llangefni have been named as Breastfeeding Welcome Communities because of the widespread support on offer for mothers, babies and their families.
The three locations all have effective peer and mutual support networks, dedicated community groups led by specially-trained health visitors, and strong backing for breastfeeding in the local business community. More than half of the independent businesses in each area have signed up to the health board’s Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme – which encourages venues and their staff to create a positive atmosphere for breastfeeding.
They join Abergele, Llanberis and Caia Park in Wrexham, which were given the status by the health board in Summer 2023.
Health and wellbeing benefits
Breastfeeding has many long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits for mothers and their babies. It protects against common infections, and helps to reduce the risk of some serious illnesses.
Betsi Cadwaladr Executive Director of Public Health Dr Jane Moore said: “It’s so encouraging to see such strong support for breastfeeding in the community across North Wales, and particularly in our new Breastfeeding Welcome Communities in Rhyl, Holywell and Llangefni.
“Our health visitors, infant feeding specialists and peer supporters offer lots of help for families in all areas of North Wales – and it’s really heartening and important to see this initiative is getting such consistent support from the business community too.
“Venues which are part of the Breastfeeding Welcomed scheme are directly supporting the health and wellbeing of our next generation of young people, and share our commitment to making it as easy and comfortable as possible for mums and babies to feed while they are out and about.”
This week, we are marking the World Health Organisation’s World Breastfeeding Week – which runs from August 1 to August 7, and promotes the benefits of breastfeeding.
About our Breastfeeding Welcomed scheme
Families can check our easy-to-use online map to find businesses which are members of the scheme near them, or look out for the Breastfeeding Welcomed badge in the window.
The right to breastfeed in public places is protected by law under the Equality Act 2010. Our Breastfeeding Welcome scheme is designed to offer greater support and reassurance for families, and help mothers and babies continue breastfeeding while out and about.
All locations displaying the logo have signed up to our Breastfeeding Welcome policy, which encourages businesses and organisations to help breastfeeding mothers feel comfortable and train staff to increase their awareness of breastfeeding and its benefits. More than 450 businesses across North Wales are now members of the scheme.
The programme, first developed here in North Wales, is now being explored and adopted in other areas of Wales and has already been launched by our colleagues in Powys.
🔵 More information about breastfeeding support near you is available from your health visitor or our Breastfeeding Friends groups.
Sign up for our latest news
Stay up to date with news from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board by signing up to our mailing list.