A new campaign has launched this week to let people know that Knowsley is a breastfeeding friendly borough.
Research shows that breastfeeding has many health benefits for mother and baby and in Knowsley there is a whole range of professional and friendly support available to new and expecting parents.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage parents to feel confident and comfortable breastfeeding their baby, wherever they may be. It’s also a reminder to family and friends to offer support to breastfeeding parents in their lives.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health said: “Breastfeeding for even a short period brings many health benefits to mother and baby, but the longer breastfeeding continues the better.
“With this new campaign we are highlighting that Knowsley is a Breastfeeding Friendly borough and we’re highlighting the wonderful services available to support parents and babies in Knowsley.
“I would encourage any new or expecting parents to speak to one of the many professionals we have here in Knowsley who will be able to provide expert support and advice to help them on their breastfeeding journey.”
Breastfeeding Buddy Programme
Knowsley’s Breastfeeding Buddy Programme offers face-to-face and online support for Knowsley families, both antenatal and postnatal.
The team of volunteers are trained in breastfeeding support, and have experience of breastfeeding, to ensure families receive the support, information and skills they need to successfully breastfeed their babies.
The weekly drop-in sessions are a friendly environment for all antenatal and postnatal woman and families. You don’t need to book, just call in:
- 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.
Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge
Earlier this year, Knowsley launched its Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge and already nearly 40 public venues and businesses across the borough have signed the pledge. Many of these places, and others, already welcome and support breastfeeding families, but by displaying the Pledge, families can easily identify where these places are.
Breastfeeding Pledge Map
Benefits of breastfeeding
One of the most effective ways to ensure a mother and child’s health and wellbeing is breastfeeding. Breast milk is safe, clean, free, and in the first six months of life solely provides all the nutrients needed for protection and development.
The current breastfeeding recommendations produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests exclusively breastfeeding for six months after a baby is born and then up to 2 years and beyond along with complimentary foods.
Research shows that breastfeeding has a range of long-term and short-term health benefits for mother and baby including reducing the likelihood of obesity, reducing the risk of developing asthma and allergies, a positive impact on mental health issues and a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers.
Knowsley has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in England. In Knowsley 43.6% of babies first feed is breastmilk, this is significantly lower than both the North West (62.4%) and England (67.4%) averages.
Support when you need it
There’s a whole host of support available for families in Knowsley and the Knowsley Start for Life website brings together everything to help you from your child’s conception through their early years of childhood.
You can also follow the Early Years Team on Facebook and Instagram to find out what’s happening at Children’s Centres in Knowsley.