Health bosses in drive to promote breastfeeding support
Health bosses in Wolverhampton are inviting new mothers and families with young children to come along to a breastfeeding support group being held in the city this week.
National Breastfeeding Week, which runs until this Friday, September 22, aims to showcase advice available to new mothers and highlight the facilities and services that many places across the city offer.
To mark the week, the council and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are holding a free support morning on Thursday between 10am and noon at St Thomas’s Centre in Church Street, Wednesfield.
The council’s director of public health John Denley said: “Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for mother and baby and so we’re keen to encourage it. Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop a range of illnesses such as ear infections and upset tummies.
“It also sets the child on a healthy growth path. And the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. The aim of this event is to give parents the information they need to make a fully informed choice on feeding their baby, and to support and develop their relationship with their new arrival.
“They can also get advice about a range of other issues which will benefit themselves and their child, and have the chance to meet other new parents.”
The morning will include a range of activities including a baby sensory taster session, first aid advice, Indian head massage, STORK baby safety training, mindfulness and smoking cessation.
Specialist midwife Amanda Costello added: “The early days with a new baby can be amazing and exciting but can also be challenging – infant feeding support during these times will come from family, friends and health professionals.
“Supporting infant feeding is everyone’s business. We want to hear families’ experiences and thoughts on what has worked well for them and what we could improve. We look forward to meeting and speaking to families at the event.”
Wolverhampton has three regular breastfeeding support groups which meet at Low Hill Family Hub, Fourth Avenue, on Mondays from 10am to noon, at The Children’s Village, Graiseley Lane, Wednesfield, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and at Whitmore Reans Strengthening Families Hub, Lansdowne Road on Fridays from 10am to noon.
