Trafford celebrates increase in breastfeeding rates (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford celebrates increase in breastfeeding rates

8:50am Saturday 25th April 2009 in News

A SUCCESSFUL breastfeeding support initiative has played a role in encouraging new mums to breastfeed.

Since Trafford’s first peer counsellors graduated in September 2006, 55 mums have trained as volunteers through the programme.

The internationally acclaimed course created by ‘La Leche League’ has been found to have huge benefits, including encouraging an increase in breastfeeding rates - now 72 per cent for Trafford.

Trafford's Sure Start children's centres, part of the children and young people's service, have provided training for volunteers, midwives, and health visitors.

Recognising the difficulties new mums can have when trying to breastfeed their baby and that they may give without support were key reasons for the scheme's introduction.

Currently 43 volunteers, all mums themselves, provide advice, information and support and run group meetings.

Executive councillor John Holden said: "It is really great to see mums useing their experiences and training in such a positive way. We all know the importance of breastfeeding, but also acknowledge that for some new mums it does not necessarily come as easily as for others.”

Liz Berry, a longstanding breastfeeding peer supporter, said: "In this time I have spoken to lots of breastfeeding mums and personally helped with any problems new mums have had."

Sure Start midwife Rose Corke added: "Everyone knows breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life. Making sure we do everything to encourage new mums to breastfeed, ideally for the first six months, is something we are committed to.”