Benefits of breastfeeding promoted in Furness (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Benefits of breastfeeding promoted in Furness

5:27pm Monday 18th January 2010

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A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Furness to encourage breastfeeding starring two real-life young mums.

Posters have been put up across the town as part of NHS Cumbria’s ‘Be a Star’ scheme, feature Amy from Dalton-in-Furness, and Sarah, from Barrow, who were given a glamorous makeover to appear in the campaign.

The NHS says breast milk is designed to give babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases.

According to research, an average of 52.3 per cent of mums under 25 initiate breastfeeding in Cumbria. That's compared to an average of 69 per cent of mums in Cumbria aged 26 and over.

Carole Wood, associate director of public health for south Cumbria. She said: "Breastfeeding is an important issue. Breast milk is free, and contains all the nutrients which babies need to get the best start in life.

“It’s vital that young women see breastfeeding as a completely normal choice for a mother to make and I hope that’s the message people are getting."

For more information contact the Furness Breastfeeding Helpline 01229 582464 between 6pm and 11pm.

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