Local breastfeeding support staff will also be on hand and will be able to offer practical advice and guidance on breastfeeding and local services.
Karen Mackay, an Infant Feeding Advisor for NHS Highland, said: “Breastfeeding is the best start in life mums can give their babies. Not only can breast milk help in preventing obesity, asthma or chest infections in your baby but for mums themselves it can help prevent ovarian and breast cancer.
“We want mums to be, new mums and their significant others to know what support is out there for them, where they can turn to for any advice and that there is also support available from their peers, women who have been through or are going through exactly the same thing.”
The ‘FeedGood Factor Roadshow’ is part of the national campaign to improve breastfeeding rates in Scotland. Belinda Morgan, Health Improvement Programme Manager at Health Scotland said: “All the evidence shows that if women are supported by partners, parents and in-laws, they are more likely to choose to breastfeed.
“That’s why the campaign also appeals to partners and grandparents. If these supporters are on board, mums are more likely to feel encouraged to persist with breastfeeding.”
The campaign message – ‘the feedgood factor’ – highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding, as well as its role in strengthening bonds between mum and baby.
Breastfed babies are less likely to be ill with stomach infections, chest infections and ear infections, suffer from allergies, including asthma and eczema or develop diabetes in childhood. Mothers who breastfeed are less at risk of developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer. The NHS recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives to give them the best possible start.
With breastfeeding rates remaining relatively stable since 2001, the Scottish Government has set a target for increasing the numbers of babies who are exclusively breastfed at 6-8 weeks from 26.6% in 2006/07 to 33.3% in 2010/11 – HEAT target 7.
For more information, please visit www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
For further information about breastfeeding support and services locally please contact: Karen Mackay or Janet Kellock on 01463 704842 or email karen.mackay3@nhs.net or janet.kellock@nhs.net.
