Breastfeedingis vital sayslocal midwife

Ms Moore made the comments as the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) this week supports a range of activities throughout the local area to promote Breastfeeding Awareness Week on June 24-30 2012.

She said: “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 infections, allergies and childhood diabetes and at the same time developing a close bond between mother and baby. Breastfeeding mothers also lower the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.”

Throughout Breastfeeding Awareness Week a range of events funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA), will take place in Surestarts throughout the Western area.

These events will target mums-to-be, mums, dads and grandparents and highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mum.

Health Visitors and Midwives will also be attending a number of events to give advice and support around breastfeeding along with members of local breastfeeding groups and peer support mums.

Sarah Davidson, Western Trust Health Improvement Department stated: “Many initiatives have been undertaken in the West to promote breastfeeding. Research indicates that interventions which have been shown to increase breastfeeding rates include effective information and support by trained health service staff, ante-natal education involving partners and families and support from breastfeeding peer supporters.”

She continued: “Support is available, come along to the events during breastfeeding awareness week or contact your local midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding support group or visit www.breastfedbabies.org for more information.”