Scarborough’s first 'breastfeeding café'

The first 'breastfeeding café' in Scarborough has now opened its doors for business.

Restaurant 55, which offers mothers a chance to breastfeed in a relaxed environment, opened last week in the resort’s South Bay.

The breastfeeding café runs every Thursday, from 11am to 2.30pm. It is hoped it will encourage breastfeeding, help reduce postnatal depression and make new mothers feel less isolated.

Celina Taylor, manager at Scarborough Hospital’s midwifery-led unit, said: ‘The aim of the breastfeeding café is to give women extra support not just from midwives and peer supporters but it also gives them the opportunity to meet and talk to other mothers in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

‘Women often tell us that they don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding in public places and as a result often stay at home.

‘It is hoped that by providing such a haven, women will be encouraged to continue breastfeeding.

‘Developing a network of other mothers will also help to reduce feelings of isolation, helping reduce postnatal depression and anxiety.

‘We really want to thank Restaurant 55 for letting us use their facilities for the café, they have really got onboard this project.’

The café provides free juice and goody bags for toddlers and a cheap menu is offered to visitors who buy a cup of tea or coffee. It has plenty of room for prams and buggies and baby changing facilities.

Restaurant owner William Bell said: ‘Over the past six years we have been working to establish ourselves as a family-friendly restaurant and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the hospital trust to host Scarborough’s first breastfeeding café.

‘We are the ideal venue as we have plenty of room for pushchairs. We also have a ramp, baby changing facilities, children’s entertainment and give children free squash.

He added: ‘We are really pleased to be participating in this initiative and hope that when mothers see how family-orientated the restaurant is, they will be encouraged to come back with the whole family.’

Restaurant 55 is located on 49-55 Eastborough, Scarborough. For more information call 01723 365 921.