World Breastfeeding Week takes place every year from 1–7 August, shining a light on the importance of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers.
This year, our Infant Feeding Team marked the occasion by joining forces with the Health Visiting Service and Family Hubs at a community celebration event in Chester-le-Street.
The event proved a huge success, with more than 300 people visiting the stall throughout the day. Families were able to take part in a wide range of activities, including breastfeeding-themed colouring pages and creating “breastmilk rainbow bracelets”.
Information leaflets and handouts were available to support families with breastfeeding, and breastfeeding mothers were gifted celebration keyrings.
Visitors also had the valuable opportunity to speak directly with a midwife, health visitor or peer supporter.
The aim of the event was to help normalise breastfeeding and highlight its many health benefits.
Breastfed children are less likely to experience ear and gastric infections, and are offered protection against conditions such as diabetes, sudden infant death and childhood leukaemia.
For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Despite these benefits, breastfeeding rates in the North East remain lower than the national average, with many mothers stopping before they feel ready.
Events like this play a key role in raising awareness of the support available to help families achieve their feeding goals.
They enjoyed learning what makes breastmilk so special while creating their bracelets.
