HBC: Helping mothers to give babies the best start

Here in Hyndburn there’s lots going on to support mums to breastfeed their babies.

It is illegal to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place and a recent poll for Public Health England shows 72% of people support public breastfeeding. Breast milk has a positive impact on both baby’s and mother’s health. It provides babies with the nutrients they need to make the best start in life, protecting from infection and disease and is associated with a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese as they grow older. Breastfed babies are also less likely to suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea and having to go to hospital as a result. For mothers, breastfeeding may lower the risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.

Councillor Kerry Molineux, chair of Hyndburn Borough Council’s Health and Communities Working group, said, “We’re all responsible for helping new mothers feel comfortable in feeding their babies wherever and whenever they need to. With all the demands on health services and the proven benefits of breastmilk, it just makes complete sense. Often all it takes to help a mum make the decision to start or continue breastfeeding is a bit of support and encouragement and we have some great support locally.”

One example of that support is the Bosom Buddies service. NCT volunteers are on hand to provide peer support to anyone who needs advice, or simply encouragement and a listening ear. The sessions in Accrington are at the Park Child and Family Centre on a Friday morning, 10am until 12 noon and are part of a one stop shop, where parents can get their baby weighed, chat to a health visitor or family support worker and have a cup of tea and a chat. On Monday 12.30pm until 2.30pm, Bosom Buddies meet at Great Harwood Children’s Centre. There’s also a national helpline on 0300 100 0212. Midwives, Health Visitors and GPs are also on hand to provide support.

We also have lots of businesses locally who’ve signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme. You’ll recognise them by the window sticker or there’s a list online – you can find this via Hyndburn Borough Council’s website (search “breastfeeding”).

One local business that’s signed up is Lily Mae’s on King Street in Accrington. Lily Mae’s manager said, “We’re really happy to support the scheme and we always welcome families, babies and young children. For us it’s about great customer service. We care about how we feed our customers so it’s great to see babies are getting top-class nutrition too!”

If you’re a local business who would like to sign up too, it’s simple – just complete this short online form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BreastfeedingFriendlyPlaces2014