New research has revealed that Merseyside mums are the least likely in the UK to breastfeed their children.
Across the region, Sefton boasted the highest figure with 56 per cent of breastfeeding mums, but this still falls way below the national average.
This has led four PCTs in the region to jointly launch a new campaign ‘Breast milk ...it’s amazing!’ to promote the benefits of breastfeeding. The campaign was launched on 22nd June, during National Breastfeeding Week.
NHS Sefton, NHS Knowsley , Liverpool Primary Care Trust and NHS Wirral are working together to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies.
Janet Atherton , Director of Public Health for NHS Sefton said “There is overwhelming scientific evidence that breastfeeding has extensive short and long term health benefits for women and their babies. The aim of the campaign is to increase breastfeeding rates across Merseyside and improve the health of our local population.”
The World Health Organisation and the Department of Health recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months because of its health benefits. Breastfeeding helps to reduce many baby ailments, such as gastroenteritis, allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, diarrhoea and respiratory infection.
Plus, breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day so it can help new mums return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. And as it’s free it can save families 500 pounds a year.
Liverpool's Atomic Kitten pop singer, Jenny Frost, 32, said when talking about breastfeeding her son Casper: "Before I had my wee man Caspar I wasn’t all that into the idea, but now I just know it's the best start you can give your baby."
Cathie Kelly, a 42-year-old mother-of-two, who has been a midwife for 20 years, and breastfed her own children, said: "I’ve spoken to mums who didn’t breastfeed and they felt like they missed out.
"Even if you’re unsure I would advise people to keep their minds open, as it’s a lovely experience. People also need to be aware that research has shown that breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and can reduce osteoporosis.
“I breastfed my children, it was challenging for the first couple of weeks, but once it was established, breastfeeding made my life so much easier, I didn’t have to think about sterilising equipment.”
More details of the joint PCT campaign can be found at www.amazingbreastmilk.nhs.uk
