08 November 2006

Supporting new mums

A new “Breastfeeding Welcome” Campaign is being launched at Freedom Leisure Centre Café , Hailsham on Wednesday November 15 at 10.30am.

Mums, babies, midwives and health visitors agree on the importance of encouraging a positive attitude to breastfeeding in public places.

“There are numerous benefits to babies through breast feeding including a greater resistance to illness. It is also good for mums too, allowing them some important time resting with their babies,“ said Councillor Mrs Pam Doodes, Cabinet member for Health & Public Safety at Wealden District Council. “It is important young mothers don’t feel put off from breast feeding in local cafes and restaurants.”

Wealden is working with the National Health Service to encourage local food businesses to display the newly designed “Breastfeeding Welcome” stickers in their windows.

With 1300 babies born in Wealden each year, new mums are an important consumer group.

The launch of the Breastfeeding Welcome at the Hailsham Freedom Leisure Centre, will be attended by Councillor Mrs Rowena Moore, mother of two young children herself, and includes a special cake-cutting ceremony.

“I am in full support of this campaign,” said Councillor Mrs Moore. “I want to encourage Wealden businesses to display the stickers so that women feel comfortable when giving the most natural and nutritious milk to their babies.”

For more information about the campaign or to obtain a sticker for your premises contact Wealden Health Development Specialist Sophie Hepworth on 01323 443275 or sophie.hepworth@wealden.gov.uk