National breastfeeding awareness week
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 12:42
The government is encouraging young mothers to start breastfeeding
The government has launched a new campaign to encourage young mothers from low-income backgrounds to start breastfeeding.
National breastfeeding awareness week follows statistics showing women under 20 were significantly less likely to breastfeed their children compared to the national average.
The Department of Health (DoH) says breastfeeding can have a "huge impact" upon an infant's health and development and recommends exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months and continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for a further six months.
Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby, the DoH says, reducing a woman's risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weaker bones, as well as giving an infant all the nutrients they need and protecting them from disease.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.