Breastfeeding Celebration Week

During Breastfeeding Celebration Week (20–27 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging mothers and breastfeeding supporters to tell others their positive stories about breastfeeding.

Janet Calvert, Regional Breastfeeding Lead for the PHA, said: “Information and support is key to helping mums breastfeed and hearing positive stories of others’ experiences can add that extra bit of encouragement that mums need.

“For many mums getting started, breastfeeding isn’t easy. Northern Ireland has the lowest breastfeeding rates in the UK and that is why reassurance and encouragement from others is so important.”

Approximately 64% of mothers in Northern Ireland start breastfeeding, compared with 83% in England, 74% in Scotland and 71% in Wales. That figure falls to 33% of  mothers breastfeeding at six weeks and 16% at six months.

Janet continued: “In Northern Ireland we know we need to do more to support mothers. Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers are an important source of support for mums when they need it most. The volunteers are all women who have breastfed their own children and who, with specialised training, can provide mum-to-mum support to women who are breastfeeding.

“Finding a local support group is easy. Just visit www.breastfedbabies.org and click on ‘Support Groups’. The website also has a lot of information on breastfeeding – not only for mums but also for partners and families who can also offer support to mothers. Information especially for dads is also available, highlighting what they need to know about breastfeeding and offering practical advice and tips on how they can help their partner. We have also produced a leaflet on breastfeeding for grandparents as they can make a real difference to helping mums continue with breastfeeding.

“If, like many other mums, you’re out and about with your baby and apprehensive about feeding in public, the website has information on over 400 businesses, council facilities and popular tourist attractions signed up to our Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme that welcomes mums with babies.”

During the week, everyone is encouraged to share their support on social media using the hashtag #celebratebreastfeeding and follow the PHA on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/publichealthagency and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/publichealthni

ENDS