The new facility was created by the parish of St Helier working in partnership with the outgoing Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore, who has championed increasing local rates of breastfeeding.
A statement released by the parish says that statistics indicate as many as 60 per cent of babies aged six to eight weeks are breastfed nowadays.
‘Offering this facility within a central location will allow mothers to feed their babies in comfort and security,’ it says
‘Breastfeeding in a public space can seem daunting for some new mums.
‘It’s hoped that this new family room will offer a space for all parents to use, with a fully accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities nearby.’
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said he hoped that the facility would also encourage more people into town.
‘Creating this family room on the ground floor of the Town Hall is consistent with our policy of encouraging as many people as possible to make use of the facilities on offer in this public building and increasing footfall in town generally,’ he said.
‘We are grateful to Deputy Kristina Moore for suggesting the idea.’
The family room will be available for use during the Town Hall’s opening hours, which are between 9 am and 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday.
