An increasing number of catering establishments in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County are publicly expressing support for mothers who breastfeed their children in public. The "Here too" initiative, launched by Jana and Philips Avent, has been adopted by numerous cafes and restaurants in the Rijeka, Liburnia and other parts of the county.
The aim of the initiative is to encourage acceptance of breastfeeding in public spaces and reduce the discomfort some mothers experience when they need to feed their child away from home. Some mothers still face uncomfortable looks, comments or the feeling that they should withdraw from public view. Organisers therefore want to encourage caterers to create an environment where parents can spend time with their children without burden.
Establishments participating in the project display a special "Here too" sign. This sign at the entrance serves as a visible message of support for breastfeeding in public. It also conveys that mothers with babies are welcome and that they do not need to look for a separate space while breastfeeding. Participation by caterers is voluntary.
Among the participating caterers is Rijeka's Caffe bar Corto Maltese, which highlights the importance of understanding parents' needs. In Viškovo, Bira Bar Viškovo and Sax caffe bar are involved; in Opatija, Caffe bar Mocca; in Kukuljanovo, Samofino by Pevex Kukuljanovo; on Krk, Caffe bar Capri; in Kostrena, Anić Restoran; in Klan, History caffe bar; in Ika, Archie's; and in Čavle, President Caffe bar.
In Mošćenička Draga, Black&White Bar and Velebit Caffe bar have joined, as have Barcode Caffe bar and M caffe bar in Matulji, and Hill Caffe bar and Medea Beach bar in Lovran.
More than 300 catering establishments have joined the initiative at the national level. Organisers emphasise that the goal is for feeding a child in a cafe, restaurant or other public space to be accepted as a normal part of everyday life. The initiative is open to other caterers who wish to highlight their support for mothers and breastfeeding in public.
