Breastfeeding Awareness Week Events

18/06/2010

The Western Trust Health Improvement Department is inviting women to events across the western area to celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week (21-27 June 2010) and to promote the importance of breastfeeding as the best possible way to feed a baby. 

 

Mums and mums-to-be are invited to attend local breastfeeding support groups during Breastfeeding Awareness Week which will have input from Western Trust Health Visitors, Midwives and Community staff to give advice to mums and mums-to-be on the benefits of breastfeeding:

  • Monday 21st June - Bumps and Babies Breastfeeding Support Group in Resource Centre, Carnhill from 10am-12noon
  • Tuesday 22nd June – Creggan Breastfeeding Support Group in Creggan Healthy Living Centre from 10am-12 noon
  • Tuesday 22nd June - ABC Breastfeeding Support Group in Derg Valley Healthy Living Centre, Castlederg from 10am-1pm
  • Tuesday 22nd June – Surestart Breastfeeding Group in Dry Arch Children’s Centre in Dungiven from 10am-12noon
  • Tuesday 22nd June – Meet with the Breastfeeding and Parentcraft Specialist midwives in Mothercare, Cresent Link, Derry between 10 to 12noon
  • Wednesday 23rd June - Waterside Surestart Breastfeeding Support Group in Ebrington Centre from 10am-12noon
  • Thursday 24th June – Derry Well Woman Breastfeeding Support Group, Queen Street, Derry from 11am-1pm
  • Friday 25th June – Derry Well Woman Breastfeeding Support Group in Bookworm Café, London Street, Derry starting at 10am
  • Wednesday 30th June – Strabane Surestart Breastfeeding Support Group in Surestart, Strabane from 10am-12noon

Speaking about the benefits of breastfeeding support groups, Health Improvement Officer Avril Morrow said: “Research has shown that while some people in Northern Ireland know about the health benefits of breastfeeding, there is still only a vague awareness among the public, including young mums-to-be, about how good breastfeeding is for both mum and baby. Even though breastfeeding is the natural way to feed, to make sure it’s a successful and enjoyable experience, mum and baby both need to learn how to get it right.”

 

Avril continued: “Breastfeeding support groups can give mums help and support to build confidence, making breastfeeding easier. These groups provide new mums with an opportunity to talk to more experienced mums for advice and support on breastfeeding issues like expressing breast milk, weaning, returning to work and also an opportunity to meet new mums going through similar experiences.”

 

Bernie Webster, Western Trust Breastfeeding Coordinator said: “Breastfeeding is vitally important for the baby and the mother. Breast milk contains everything a baby needs for healthy growth and development, providing the best possible start in life for the baby.  It helps reduce the risk of infections, allergies and childhood diabetes and at the same time the mother will develop a close bond with the child and benefit from a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.”

 

Lactation Midwife for Altnagelvin Hospital Audrey Moore added: “Quite simply, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for you and your baby. By deciding to breastfeed, you’ll be giving your child the best possible start in life. Any period of breastfeeding, however short, will benefit your baby, but the maximum benefits are gained by feeding breast milk and nothing else until around six months, and then continuing to breastfeed after solids are introduced until your baby is a year or more old.”

 

For more information about breastfeeding or breastfeeding activities in your area contact your local midwife, health visitor, breastfeeding support group or visit www.breastfedbabies.org