A new symbol to identify and promote breastfeeding friendly places has been launched in the European Parliament by a number of MEPs. This is accompanied by a call for all EU institutions to provide a suitable environment for all breastfeeding employees and to promote the use of this symbol in all public buildings, restaurants etc.

Speaking in the context of Ireland’s National Breastfeeding Week, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said that, working together with colleagues from other political groups, they have initiated a written declaration in the European Parliament calling on the EU institutions to promote breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to strengthen the health of newborns and prevent malnutrition or obesity in childhood.

“In this declaration we are calling on the EU Commission, the EU Council and the Parliament to have due regard for the role of breastfeeding in EU health policy.  In addition to seeking breastfeeding friendly places for EU employees we are recommending the creation of a voluntary European symbol to indicate the location of facilities for nursing mothers”, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said.