Bliss: Don't forget premature babies

Bliss has urged initiatives encouraging young mothers to start breastfeeding to include women with premature or sick babies.

A poll organised by the premature baby charity, released to coincide with national breastfeeding awareness week, shows one in five new mothers are often denied the advice and support needed to breastfeed premature or sick babies.

The charity's chief executive Andy Cole said it was "essential" mothers received the proper support.

"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," he explained.

"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."