Western Trust shows support for breastfeeding in public

by Q Radio News

The Western Trust is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from 1 - 7 August 2017 by encouraging everyone to show support for mums who breastfeed in public. 

This year the campaign theme focuses on public support for breastfeeding.

A number of events will be taking place throughout the Western Trust area to challenge social acceptability. 

Shauna O'Rourke, Western Trust Breastfeeding Coordinator said: 

“With only 7% of babies in Northern Ireland still being breastfed at 12 months it is important that we continue to support mums and encourage acceptability of breastfeeding through campaign promotion like this and using the range of support available throughout the Western Trust.

“Breastfeeding is vitally important for both mother and baby.

Breast milk contains everything a baby needs for healthy growth and development, providing the best possible start in life.

It reduces the risk of infection, allergies and childhood diabetes and at the same time developing a close bond between mother and baby.

Each day a mother continues to breastfeed is another day the child receives important health benefits from their mother.

A mother should be proud, however long she chooses to breastfeed her baby.”

During this week, Health Development Workers from the Neighbourhood Health Improvement Project (NHIP) are hosting a number of events including coffee mornings on Friday 4th August. 

One will be held from 10am-12pm in Brooke Park, Derry/Londonderry, and another will be from 10am-1pm in Roe Valley Leisure Centre, Limavady. 

The coffee mornings will also have fun activities for children. 

Altnagelvin Hospital will be hosting a quiz for staff and patients on breastfeeding. 

The Western Trust is committed to supporting breastfeeding. If a mother feels supported by family and the wider community she is likely to breastfeed for longer.

This support includes;

• Participating in the Public Health Agency, Welcome Here Scheme
   
• Develop a workplace policy for breastfeeding women returning to work
   
• Listen to mums
   
• Signpost to breastfeeding support
   
• Raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby

For additional information about breastfeeding or breastfeeding activities within your area contact your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding support group.

More information can also be found on www.breastfedbabies.org. or www.westerntrust.hscni.net