'Breastfeeding makes a difference to your Bracknell baby'
Ensuring the right start for your Bracknell baby is crucial and next week National Breastfeeding Awareness Week will promote that "every day makes a difference to your baby".
From Sunday (May 11) until Saturday (May 17), the Bracknell week aims to highlight that breastfeeding is the healthiest feeding option for babies and mothers. Research has shown it reduces risk against infection, enhances vaccine response, protects against allergies such as asthma and eczema and enhances the development and intelligence of the baby. Long term benefits include protection against diabetes, childhood cancer and high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding is also good for mum - it promotes post partum weight loss and reduces the risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between baby and mum.
The campaign focuses on encouraging women to access the support that will help them to breastfeed for longer, and the strapline - "Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby" - reflects the message that each day a women continues to breastfeed is another day the child receives important health benefits from its mother's milk.
Cath Lowther, Bracknell Rowans Children's Centre manager, said: "Breastfeeding is a skill that is learned and needs practise. It isn't instinctive and takes a little time and effort, but help is out there. The children's centres run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council offers support to new and expecting mums."
The Rowans in Easthampstead runs a breastfeeding café each Monday between 10.30am and 12pm. The Oaks in Great Hollands also runs a breastfeeding café on Mondays between 2pm and 4pm. Both cafés offer support from health professionals and trained breastfeeding counsellors. The Rowans also offers antenatal breastfeeding workshops throughout the year to make sure mums are ready when baby is born and know where to get any support they may need. The next workshop will take place on Monday, May 19, from 3pm until 5pm.
Sam Marshall, is a Bracknell mum who has been breastfeeding her son since he was born in October last year.
She said: "Going to the breastfeeding café has been a real help. It's good to meet other mums who are breastfeeding because we all have similar problems and we can have a good chat about them. It is also comforting to know that there's a professional available if we need one."
Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This national campaign highlights the many health benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mum.
"The Rowans and The Oaks are excellent facilities which brings together health professionals and counsellors so that families can get any help or support they need.
"I encourage all families to come to our children's centres and see what services they can offer you."
For more information on the breastfeeding cafés, call The Rowans on 01344 312800 or The Oaks on 01344 317020.
Bracknell Forest Borough Council
