WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: WEDNESDAY, 24 JUNE, 2015, 11AM, PERTH COMMUNITY MATERNITY UNIT, PARENT EDUCATION ROOM

‘Tea for Two’ in Perth - Breastfeeding Awareness Week 21-27June

NHS Tayside is supporting National Breastfeeding Awareness Week 21-27 June in partnership with local mums and babies.

The main aim of the 2015 Breastfeeding Awareness campaign is to highlight the important role we can all play in supporting mums breastfeeding in public.

Local businesses in Perth are helping to promote awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding by offering breastfeeding mums a free cup of tea or coffee during Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Mums are invited to look out for the special ‘Tea for Two’ posters which will be displayed in participating cafes and restaurants or visit the ‘Tea for Two’ Breastfeeding Awareness Facebook page.

Breastfeeding peer support volunteer, Vicki said, “I have recently completed my training and it's something I feel passionate about. Having breastfed my two children I just wanted to offer support to new mums.

“I currently help out at local support groups and one of the most common worries is the first public breastfeed. When I heard about National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, I thought it was the perfect time to create a public feeding event. Nearly every café and restaurant approached to join in with ‘Tea For Two’ has been positive and supportive, which is fantastic.  

“We have launched a Facebook event page to promote the week and it has been inundated with followers from all over the UK who are also organising ‘Tea For Two’ weeks near them.  I am hopeful this venture will help normalise breastfeeding in public for many mums.”

NHS Tayside is fully committed to the promotion and support of breastfeeding women. Breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs and provides special protection from infections to help baby to fight infections. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant's life. Breastfeeding, and/or breast milk substitutes if used, should continue beyond the first six months along with appropriate types and amounts of solid foods.

Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from protection from breast and ovarian cancer and a reduction in the likelihood of osteoporosis developing in later life.

Janet Dalzell, Breastfeeding Coordinator for NHS Tayside, said, “Establishing breastfeeding takes time and patience. Continuing breastfeeding can be difficult and breastfeeding in public can be daunting.

“NHS Tayside has worked with local cafes and restaurants to develop a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome’ scheme where local facilities welcome breastfeeding mothers by displaying a window sticker. There is also the Breast Start App which provides local information about breastfeeding-friendly cafes, restaurants and shops in Dundee and Perth.”

Notes to editors:

There are many health benefits to mum and baby from breastfeeding. Breastfed babies are less likely to be:

• ill with stomach infections, chest infections and ear infections

• suffer from allergies, including asthma and eczema

• develop diabetes in childhood

Mothers who breastfeed have less risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The NHS recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives to give them the best possible start.

For more information about local groups where support for breastfeeding can be provided visit The Feelgood Factor website www.feedgoodfactor.co.uk

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138