National Breastfeeding Week May 8 - 14
Hunt is on to Find the Most Breastfeeding Friendly Place in Bury

8 May 2005

Hospital Midwife Gerda Tooley will be visiting cafes and restaurants in Bury St Edmunds this week to find out which venues welcome breastfeeding mums.

Those that do will be asked to display the distinctive blue and white symbol of a mother and baby stating ‘breastfeeding welcome’.

Mums are also being urged to write to the hospital to tell midwives where they feel the most breastfeeding friendly premises are in Bury.

This week is National Breastfeeding Week (May 8-14) which aims to highlight the positive benefits breastfeeding has on both babies and their mums.

Displays about breastfeeding will be up in the hospital’s antenatal clinic, the entrance to the F11 maternity ward and at the main entrance to the hospital.

Posters will also be on display at Mothercare and midwives will be available there to offer support and advice during lunchtime through the week.

Midwife and hospital breastfeeding co-ordinator Jackie Campbell said: "The benefits of breastfeeding provide immense benefits to both mother and baby so give it a go."

The facts about breastfeeding:

·         There's no need to spend money on equipment, no mixing up formula for bottles, no heating and it doesn't cost a penny.

·         Mums use up 500 calories a day so it is also an excellent way of getting back into shape after giving birth.

·         Breast milk is the perfect nutrition for your baby for the first 6 months and it protects your baby against tummy bugs, chest infections, asthma, eczema and allergies

·         Breast milk can be expressed once feeding is established so that others can help with feeding
Jackie added: "For mum it offers protection against pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer.

"We are trying hard to raise the awareness of the benefits that can be gained by breastfeeding. With the right support it should be a very rewarding experience and something mothers should be proud of for however long they feed their baby."

Where is the most breastfeeding friendly place in Bury St Edmunds?
Write to Jackie Campbell, Breastfeeding Co-ordinator, Ward F11, West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2QZ.