Mums urged to breastfeed for six-week spell

New mums across the Fylde coast are being urged to take the six-week Breastfeeding Challenge this summer.
A mum breastfedingA mum breastfeding
A mum breastfeding

Evidence shows that the longer a mum breastfeeds for, the greater the health benefits for both mum and baby.

Mums can sign up for free by visiting www.breastfeedingchallenge.co.uk and use an app to track their progress through the challenge. There is additional support to help mums understand and adapt to the most vulnerable stage of their babies’ infancy.

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Breastfed babies have less chance of developing diarrhoea, vomiting, chest and ear infections, constipation and eczema. If mums then decide to carry on for longer than six weeks, the benefits will increase.

There are a number of helpful features which have been introduced for 2016 as part of the challenge, as well many designated breast­feeding friendly locations identified throughout Lancashire (www.breastfeedingchallenge.co.uk/breastfeeding­locations/).

County Coun Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know that mums are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and we want to make mums aware of the support available to help them get started and to keep going past the first few weeks.

“The challenge aims to give mums a helping hand when they need it most, making sure they know where to turn for help.”

Mums can also contact midwives and health visitors, for information, as well as the national breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212.