A MOTHER who breast fed all of her three children has hailed an initiative to encourage businesses to be breast-feeding friendly.

It comes as the Breastfeeding Strategy Group, part of Preston Primary Care Trust, launches a directory of business premises where mothers are welcome to breast feed.

The move was launched this week to coincide with Breastfeeding Awareness Week from May 9-15.

Now they are appealing to businesses, shops and public bodies to add their names to the list, with each signed-up applicant given a certificate to display, affirming the organisation's commitment.

Mother-of-three Angela Rushworth, of Rowan Avenue, Preston, said the project was a great idea to encourage business chiefs to come on-board.

"Breast-feeding is one of the most natural things but it is still seen by some, as women exposing themselves," said Angela, who is also a trained breastfeeding counsellor.

"Hopefully this initiative will encourage more businesses to welcome breastfeeding mothers. When I was breastfeeding my eldest I was even asked to leave a cafe once.

"However, I do think businesses need to be vetted on the facilities they offer. Some places offer just a mother and baby toilet area. Would you eat your dinner in the loo?"

The campaign is designed to support the Government target of increasing breast-feeding rates by two per cent per year by 2006, with benefits of it being highlighted throughout.

Rachael Windsor, Preston and Longridge's breastfeeding project co-ordinator, said: "There is a considerable and proven demand for places to breastfeed among customers and we are trying to encourage every shop, business or organisation to provide such facilities.

"Breast-feeding is an activity that is unobtrusive and, in our experience, attracts little if no attention from other customers."

Now Angela and four other volunteer councillors have organised a drop-in service, run alongside SureStart Ribbleton, where pregnant women and new mums can discuss breast-feeding and other baby issues.

The sessions are between 1pm and 2.30pm, in St Mary Magdalen Church hall, Ribbleton Avenue, Preston.