Midwives prepare for National Breastfeeding Week (From Epsom Guardian)

Epsom and St Helier midwives prepare to mark National Breastfeeding Week

10:30am Sunday 17th June 2012 in News

Midwives from Epsom and St Helier hospitals are getting firmly behind the 'breast is best' message as they prepare to celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

A number of events have been organised in recognition of the week.

Throughout the week- June 24- 30, new mums and mums to be who are seen in the hospital's maternity department will have the chance to win a range of prizes, from free 3D scans normally worth £120, to toys for newborns.

In the hospital's restaurants, midwives and breastfeeding experts from the Trust will be hosting a stall to offer new families advice.

There will also be a raffle where people can win a free three course meal for two.

Infant feeding advisor for the Trust, Sue Taylor, said: "Throughout the week, we’ll be working with the National Childcare Trust and the La Leche League (an organisation that promotes breastfeeding) to spread the word about the benefits of breastfeeding and the support that our hospitals can offer new mums.

"We believe that breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life, and can help to protect both mother and child from a host of infections.

"Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and continues to help protect them from infection and diseases on a long term basis."

For advice or support during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, or if you would like to enter the raffle or free prize draw, see the midwives at: Epsom and St Helier’s Re:treat restaurants from 9am – 5pm from Monday to Thursday.

Alternatively, pop along to a coffee morning at the Tweeddale Children’s Centre in Carshalton on Thursday June 28 from 11.30am – 1pm for a chance to enter the draw and speak to a health professional about any aspects of infant feeding.