New software which includes Taieri businesses will be a breath of fresh air for breast-feeding mothers.
A free android app and website Burp - Breast-feeding's Ultimate Refuel Place - promotes breast-feeding friendly facilities in Otago and Southland.
WellSouth Health Primary Network promotion co-ordinator Sophie Carty said the network and Southern District Health Board had the software made to direct mothers to the nearest breast-feeding friendly public place.
Miss Carty said more than 100 had registered to be on the software and many more places would soon be uploaded on the ''ever-evolving'' software.
The software displayed the places on a map and allowed users to place feedback and a star-rating on their experience.
The venues could display extra symbols if it had a play area, change table and a private area available.
The feature would help parents of young children, and not just breast-feeding mothers, to make good choices.
Breast-feeding ''anywhere, anytime'' was a human right, Miss Carty said.
''The Burp app provides an opportunity to create staff awareness at public venues which all contributes to normalising breast-feeding and to reinforce to mums that it's OK to feed your baby in public.''
Aurora Cafe owner Jillian Peacock said she she had always welcomed breast-feeding mothers to her cafe so was quick to latch on when she invited to be listed on the software.
''We have a lot of young mums come through the cafe so we thought it was a good idea when they approached us.''
Mrs Peacock said she had owned the cafe for six years and there had never been an issue when a mother breast-fed there.
Burp
Breast-feeding's Ultimate Refuel Place:
• Download Burp software free of charge on an android phone from the Google Play store or visit www.burpapp.co.nz for a version for iPhones.
• A public venue wanting to be included on Burp free of charge should contact Public Health South on 476 9800 or WellSouth Health on 477 1163.
• Breast-feeding friendly facilities on the Taieri: Wobbly Goat and 8 on 87, in Outram and Obsess Cafe, Blackstone Cafe and Aurora Cafe, in Mosgiel.
