Mum's the word this World Breastfeeding Week
Celebrate and make spaces safe for parents to feed their babies anytime and anywhere is the plea across Norfolk this World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August).
Over the last year breastfeeding in Norfolk has increased marginally but only just over half of babies are being breast fed, that's one out of every two. Rates vary across Norfolk but only one in every four babies in Thetford North are being breast fed.
Luisa Lyons, who is an NHS research midwife and IBCLC Lactation Consultant (the highest accredited health care professionals specialising in lactation), said: "I am committed to supporting mothers to feel empowered with their breastfeeding journey, and to enjoy feeding their babies in public should they wish.
"Support groups are an important part of this. Research shows that attending groups can help mothers gain confidence in feeding their babies out and about. It is great to see mothers feeling assured that they will be supported in feeding their babies however they wish."
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to protect maternal and child health. For infants it promotes healthy growth and brain development, reduces the risk of a range of illnesses such as infection, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome.
Research also demonstrates that breastfeeding protects against mothers against postpartum haemorrhage, postpartum depression, ovarian and breast cancer, heart disease and type II diabetes whilst also supporting the mother-baby relationship and the mental health of both baby and mother.
Councillor Fran Whymark, Cabinet member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Many areas across Norfolk, including Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Thetford have low breastfeeding rates. This impacts upon a baby's development but we can all help to support breastfeeding mothers by creating safe, supportive environments for them to feed their children anytime, anywhere."
Venues and businesses across Norfolk are encouraged to sign up to Norfolk County Council's new initiative, Infant Feeding Friendly Norfolk (IFFN), aimed at creating more welcoming environments for families with infants.
Businesses, organisations and venues across Norfolk can register online.
