June 2010

New breastfeeding support service launched in Walsall

Breast Buddies – a new breastfeeding peer support service for mums and families across Walsall – is due to be officially launched later this month (June).

The initiative is aimed at providing mums with the practical support and up to date information they need to make breastfeeding the healthy choice for their children.  
There are now more than 40 Breast Buddies at work across Walsall including staff members funded by NHS Walsall Community Health as well as trained volunteers.
The three main aims of the Breast Buddies are:
*Encouraging and supporting mums to breastfeed from birth
*Encouraging mums to breastfeed their children exclusively for the first six months
*Encouraging mums to breastfeed for as long as they like while gradually introducing other foods into the diet.

In some areas in Walsall, fewer than one in five mums are likely to breastfeed their children – one of the lowest rates for breastfeeding in the country.

Caroline Mansell, Breastfeeding Service Coordinator, said:  “There is a well established bank of evidence about the benefits of breastfeeding including reduction of child obesity and less risk in developing heart disease and diabetes in later life.  Our new Breast Buddies network will help us to get those facts across in ways that are friendly and supportive.  We’re not here to tell women what to do but to work with them to make the choices that they find most comfortable.”

The Breast Buddies network will be launched at an event at Walsall’s New Art Gallery on Wednesday 23 June to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week.  The event – which is due to run between 10.30am and 3pm – will also include  Baby Ballet” infant and parent exercise sessions,  a “Baby Palace”  relaxing sensory room for all under twos and their carer, story telling and relaxation sessions for expectant mums. More information is available at www.infantfeeding.wm.org.uk or by telephoning 01922 444045.

Notes to editors:   For more information, please contact Peter W. Mitchell, senior communications manager, telephone 01922 619981, email peter.mitchell@walsall.nhs.uk