Lübeck City, once bustling, falls into a silence.
Lübeck, a picturesque city nestled along the Trave River in northern Germany, has taken a significant step forward in supporting new mothers by launching the "Breastfeeding-Friendly City" initiative. This initiative, a resolution from the Citizens' Assembly in September 2022, aims to increase the acceptance of breastfeeding in public and improve the framework conditions for breastfeeding mothers.
The Women's Office and the Early Help services belonging to the General Social Services spearheaded the initiative, which has resulted in the establishment of 25 breastfeeding-friendly spaces in municipal and public facilities across the city. These spaces, clearly marked with stickers, can be located digitally via the Family and Education Portal and the Geoportal of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck.
The breastfeeding-friendly spaces can be found in various locations, including city libraries, the registry office, Günther-Grass-Haus, and neighborhood offices. To become a breastfeeding-friendly place, establishments need to provide a welcoming culture without pressure to consume, a comfortable seat, and if possible, a quiet corner.
The mayor of Lübeck, Jan Lindenau, has stated the goal of creating a comprehensive network of breastfeeding-friendly places in the city. As such, Lübeck companies such as pharmacies, retail stores, cafés, and others are being encouraged to support the initiative.
Breast milk, the healthiest food for babies, adapts perfectly to their needs and physical development, providing a range of health benefits. Breastfed babies are less susceptible to a range of diseases and infections, and breastfeeding mothers benefit health-wise from breastfeeding as it decreases their risk of heart and vascular diseases and breast cancer.
This initiative aims to provide good conditions for a healthy start for children and support breastfeeding mothers. The city's website, breastfeeding-friendly place, offers more information about the initiative, along with an Instagram and Facebook page under the name Hansestadt Lübeck.
For those interested in registering their establishment as a breastfeeding-friendly place in Lübeck, it is recommended to contact the Lübeck public health office (Gesundheitsamt Lübeck) or local family support organizations such as pro familia or local breastfeeding counseling services. They often coordinate initiatives to promote breastfeeding-friendly places and can provide guidance on the registration process.
For more detailed information, visitors can visit www.luebeck.de/stillen. By embracing this initiative, Lübeck continues to demonstrate its commitment to the well-being and support of its residents, particularly new mothers and their babies.
- The initiative launched in Lübeck, aimed at increasing acceptance of breastfeeding in public, also endeavors to improve conditions for mental health, as breastfeeding mothers can find needed support and a welcoming culture.
- In their quest to create a comprehensive network of breastfeeding-friendly places, Lübeck city officials are also extending the focus to home and garden, encouraging home-based businesses like cafes and retail stores to participate in the initiative.
- The Women's Health community in Lübeck can benefit from this Breastfeeding-Friendly City initiative, as it offers spaces dedicated to promoting the wellness and development of new mothers and their infants.
- Parenting and family dynamics in Lübeck may significantly improve due to the availability of breastfeeding-friendly spaces, as such spaces can provide a quiet and comfortable environment for new parents to bond with their children.
- Lübeck's efforts to create breastfeeding-friendly spaces reflect a broader concern with improving lifestyle and relationships as the city seeks to foster a supportive society that values healthcare, wellness, and the well-being of its residents.
