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 06 July 2008 00:59 BST

Young mums encouraged to breastfeed

Tuesday, 13 May 2008 08:44
Young mothers are encouraged to breastfeed
Young mothers from low income backgrounds are being encouraged to get support to help them breastfeed for longer.

The new campaign aims to target the significant inequalities in breastfeeding practices.

Research has shown that on average over three-quarters (76 per cent) of women start breastfeeding but in mothers below the age of 20 this falls to just 51 per cent.

Campaigners urge women to breastfeed if possible as breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and disease.

"The recent Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition review highlighted the fact that younger mothers, mothers from lower socio-economic groups and mothers with lower educational levels appear least likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding," said public health minister Dawn Primarolo.

"It is imperative that we support our most vulnerable families to make breastfeeding the norm and improve health outcomes for all."

The Department of Health will this week launch the Breast Buddy initiative, targeted at young mums aged 16 to 25 years.

The initiative will encourage young mums to get emotional and practical support while breastfeeding by nominating a buddy from within their circle of friends and family.

Young mums who sign up to Breast Buddy will receive breastfeeding information and mother and buddy will also receive texts of encouragement for the first six months.

A survey released by the premature baby charity Bliss today shows that as well as targeting young mums, efforts should also help new mothers of premature or sick babies to breastfeed.

The poll found that some new mothers of premature or sick babies are unable to breastfeed because they do not receive the advice and support they need.

Seventeen per cent said they did not breastfeed as a result of a lack of support from staff.

Only 36 per cent said they had been told about problems they might encounter and how to overcome them.

Bliss chief executive Andy Cole commented: "Providing breast milk is something incredibly positive a new mum can do for her premature or sick baby at what can be a stressful and overwhelming time.

"It is essential that mothers get the necessary support to do this. By ensuring that a mother has the best possible chance of successfully expressing and breastfeeding, doctors and nurses are helping to ensure the best outcome for her baby."
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