Breastfeeding challenge for new mums across Lancashire

Lancashire County Council and the county’s Infant Feeding Partnership are launching the campaign for a second year to try to boost the county’s breastfeeding rates, which are lower than the national average.

New mums who have chosen to breastfeed are being asked to challenge themselves to continue for at least the first six weeks.

Evidence shows the longer a mum breastfeeds for, the greater the health benefits for both mum and baby.

Experts say breastfed babies have less chance of developing diarrhoea, vomiting, chest and ear infections, constipation and eczema.

The web-based app is hoped to help mums track their progress, provide answers to breastfeeding questions and provide access to support and guidance.

County Coun Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know that mums are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and we want to make mums aware of the support available to help them get started and to keep going past the first few weeks. The challenge aims to give mums a helping hand when they need it most, making sure they know where to turn for help.”

Mums can sign up at www.breastfeedingchallenge.co.uk.