Knowsley Council has launched the second phase of its borough-wide campaign to promote breastfeeding and highlight the support available to new and expecting parents.
Building on the success of the initial launch last year, this new phase reinforces Knowsley’s commitment to becoming a truly breastfeeding-friendly borough.
Research consistently demonstrates the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, and Knowsley offers a comprehensive range of professional and peer support services to assist families on their breastfeeding journey.
This campaign aims to boost confidence and encourage mothers to feel comfortable breastfeeding their babies anywhere in the borough. It also serves as a reminder to families and friends of the importance of supporting breastfeeding parents.
“Breastfeeding, even for a short period, offers significant health advantages, with benefits increasing the longer it continues,” said Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health. “This second phase of our campaign reinforces Knowsley’s dedication to supporting breastfeeding families and promotes the valuable resources available. We encourage all new and expecting parents to connect with the professionals in Knowsley who can provide expert guidance and support.”
Building on Initial Success: Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge and Buddy Program
The first phase of the campaign saw the successful launch of the Knowsley Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge. To date, 55 public venues and businesses across the borough have signed up.
These locations proudly display the pledge, making it easy for breastfeeding families to identify supportive environments.
This map shows the venues across Knowsley:
Knowsley’s Breastfeeding Buddy Programme continues to provide invaluable face-to-face and online support for Knowsley families, both antenatally and postnatally. Trained volunteer Breastfeeding Buddies, who have personal breastfeeding experience, offer support, information, and skill-building to help families successfully breastfeed.
Weekly drop-in sessions are held at various locations across Knowsley:
- Monday 10am – 12noon, Hilltop Children’s Centre, Bedford Close, Huyton L36 1XH
- Tuesday 12noon – 2pm, The Pride Children’s Centre, 2 Simonswood Lane L33 5YP
- Wednesday 10am – 12noon, The George Howard Centre, Lickers Lane Whiston L35 3SR
- Thursday 12.30pm – 2.30pm, New Hutte Children & Families Hub, Lichfield Road, Halewood L25 1TT
You can follow Breastfeeding Buddies on Facebook and Instagram for breastfeeding support, information, and more.
Addressing Breastfeeding Rates and Highlighting Benefits
Knowsley has one of the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates in England (52% compared to the North-West average of 61.7% and the England average of 71.9%).This campaign aims to address this disparity by raising awareness of the significant health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. These benefits include reduced risks of obesity, asthma, allergies, and certain cancers, as well as positive impacts on mental health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years and beyond.
Comprehensive Support Resources
Knowsley offers extensive support for families through the Knowsley Start for Life website, which provides a comprehensive resource from conception through early childhood.
Families can also stay connected with their local Children’s Centres by following the Early Years Team on Facebook and Instagram.