Somerset families are encouraged to use, share, follow, like or love the latest digital technology helping support mums to breastfeed!
A new Somerset ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ website and Facebook page provides information and advice to enable families to make natural and informed choices about breastfeeding and healthy infant feeding.
Available on FACEBOOK and the healthy Somerset website you can find information, advice and support with infant feeding, and health and wellbeing in Somerset.
You can find out about the role of Breastfeeding Champions and how you could get involved as a volunteer. There is also lots of information if you are feeling low or need to access help as a breastfeeding mum.
The Positive About Breastfeeding programme is also a quality mark awarded to public places who welcome breastfeeding families. Find out how your organisation can become registered as Positive About Breastfeeding and be promoted on our website.
Somerset aims to increase the number of women who breastfeed, and support those who already do to feed for a longer length of time. Latest figures show only half of all Somerset mums are still breastfeeding their baby 6 to 8 weeks after birth.
Breastfeeding provides a baby with all they need for healthy growth and development in the first six months and beyond. Breastmilk constantly adapts to meet a baby’s daily needs and protects babies against a number of infections. Breastfeeding also helps mums by reducing the risk of breast cancer, diabetes and ovarian cancer.
Cllr. Christine Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Somerset County Council said: “The new online support complements services and advice already available for families; in hospital, while at home and out in the community through our co-ordinated network of professional and volunteer mother to mother support.
“We want Somerset to be a leading ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ county, where families are supported to make the natural choice in infant feeding. As part of this, we also want parents to feel welcomed and supported to breastfeed when out and about in Somerset.”
Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council, said: “We are getting ready here in Somerset to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week (20th June to 26th June). We aim to increase the take up and duration of breastfeeding and give every child the best start in life. This exciting new online support gives families another form of information, available 24/7, even at 3am when you may need it most!”
“If you would like to become a volunteer breastfeeding champion and offer mother to mother support, nominate a Positive About Breastfeeding place or venue for an award, we would love to hear from you through the website or Facebook page or talk to your Health Visitor. We welcome your likes, follows and comments.”
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