A New iPhone App to Help Otago And Southland Breastfeeding Mums

Following the success of a website and android app promoting public places in Otago and Southland where women are supported to breastfeed, a free iPhone app has been created.

The website not only benefits breastfeeding families but local businesses and services are also attracting more customers. Chris Ottley from Pregnancy Help said that one woman specifically visited thanks to the BURP App. “We have heard from other women in our service that the BURP App has been useful helping them find somewhere to feed. Instead of having to feed baby uncomfortably in their car, they have been able to find somewhere comfortable and relaxing.”

WellSouth Primary Health Network and Public Health South launched the BURP (Breastfeeding’s Ultimate Refuel Place) website www.burpapp.co.nz earlier this year to help breastfeeding mums. It lists more than 240 cafes, restaurants and venues across Otago and Southland which are breastfeeding-friendly.

WellSouth’s Health Promotion and Projects Coordinator Sophie Carty said “mums are connected to the community and they should be able to enjoy the things they did before having a baby like meeting friends for coffee.”

The only requirement for venues to be listed on BURP is to have staff who support breastfeeding. This can range from providing a glass of water, showing mums a couch where they can feed or even standing up for them if other patrons take offence. BURP uses map icons to point mothers to the nearest breastfeeding friendly venue anywhere from Bluff, to Kurow, and over to Queenstown. The mobile friendly website also links mothers to local breastfeeding support options and information.

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