Mums across Plymouth are celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW). NHS Plymouth’s public health team will be joined by mums who breastfeed in Plymouth City Centre on Saturday 30 June, from 8:30am – 5:30pm, to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and to let mums thinking of breastfeeding know that help is available if they need it. They will also be on hand to answer any questions at a special ‘breastfeeding bus’ at Frankfort Gate in the city centre. People will also be able to take part in a quiz about breastfeeding and there will be a prize draw. Prizes include a family pass for the Eden Project, a voucher for a nursing bra or pump, a complete swim kit from Water Babies, and lots more. Just over two thirds of mums in Plymouth start breastfeeding and this number has remained relatively stable over the past three years. Lauren, a mum from Plymouth who breastfeeds her seven month old daughter Hazel, said: “Breastfeeding Hazel has definitely given us both a close bond, and I feel more in tune with her needs. I have also been amazed at the immunity from illness it has given her; she hasn’t been ill yet in 7 months. “My local Latch-on group was incredible at supporting me through the first few weeks, which seemed difficult, as we had some issues with feeding. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, from the peer supporters to the children centre and health staff.” NHS Plymouth runs breastfeeding peer support training for volunteer mums through local children’s centres where they take part in a 10 week course. They are taught everything there is to know about breastfeeding and are also able to help other mums by drawing on their own experience of breastfeeding. When they have completed the course they can choose to either volunteer at a local children’s centre or at Derriford Hospital’s maternity unit. All breastfeeding peer supporters in Plymouth belong to the Plymouth Latch-on network, which provides new mums with the opportunity to attend a local breastfeeding group. The Latch-on groups offer a breastfeeding friendly environment, positive atmosphere and a warm welcome to all breastfed babies and their parents. It is also an opportunity to socialise with other mums and babies. A health professional is often on hand to talk to parents about activities for families that take place at local children’s centres. Jan Potter, NHS Plymouth’s breastfeeding coordinator, said it was important that new mums are explained the benefits of breastfeeding at an early stage. “Many women and their babies will instinctively know how to breastfeed, while others may need a bit more support and encouragement,” she said. “Choosing to breastfeed is an important decision as it provides not only a nutrient rich diet, but also protection against numerous infections such as the ear, chest, urinary tract as well as asthma, eczema, childhood cancers, diabetes and cot death. “NHS Plymouth is committed to supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they choose to do so.” More information on the Plymouth Latchon breastfeeding groups is here: http://www.plymouth-latchon.org.uk.
Photos to Come!!
We would like to thank all the businesses who kindly donated quiz prizes.
They are:
Eden Project A Family Ticket LUSH Plymouth 2x gift boxes
Plymouth Albion Rugby Club 2 x tickets for the 2012/13 season
Woodlands 3 x tickets Plymouth Ski Centre 4 x tickets for the Toboggan Run
Plymouth Argyle Football Club, 2 x tickets for the Opening Home game
Water Babies Complete swim set Theatre Royal 2 x pantomime tickets New Year 2013
Bodyshop At Home Perfume and Body Butter + 10% off next order
Morrisons Plymstock Bottle of wine Jewels Photography 10% Voucher
KALI Slings, 25% off a sling Latch on Voucher for a FREE Nursing Bra or Pump
Plymouth Public Health Foot spa and Home Safety starter kit
Quizzes will be drawn on the 9th July and winners will be notified after this date