Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 19: In a thoughtful initiative to support nursing mothers, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has opened baby feeding centres at five metro stations, with the latest one launched at Baiyappanahalli. This move is set to provide mothers with clean, private spaces to breastfeed while on the go.

The Baby Feeding Centre at Baiyappanahalli Metro Station was established by the Child Help Foundation, in partnership with the Sibdi Swavalamban Foundation. The centres are designed to offer a safe and hygienic environment for mothers to nurse, away from the hustle of the busy metro stations.

The feeding centres are now available at Baiyappanahalli, Majestic, Yeshwantpur, Kengeri, and Yelachenahalli. BMRCL is exploring options to expand this service to other stations, with a focus on cost efficiency for maintaining these spaces.

Each centre features an 8x8 room with comfortable benches for up to four mothers. In case a station lacks a feeding centre, passengers can contact customer care for a private space to nurse.

Positive Feedback from Mothers

Mothers have welcomed the initiative. Malathi, a housewife, shared, “I used the feeding centre at Baiyappanahalli during an emergency, and it was spotlessly clean. It’s a fantastic service for moms in need.”

Shifa, a saleswoman and mother to a six-month-old, added, “The centre is very private and safe. It’s incredibly convenient for daily commuters like me.”

The Baby Feeding Centres at Majestic and Yeshwantpur were among the first to open, thanks to collaboration between the Child Help Foundation and Bridgenext.

Teachers and daily commuters, like Snehalata, have voiced support, urging more centres across the metro system to ease the challenges faced by mothers with newborns. “Once I saw how clean and private it was, I felt comfortable breastfeeding in public. More centres are needed,” she said.

This initiative is proving to be a game-changer for new mothers navigating the bustling metro system.