Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies, diabetes and obesity in childhood. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the risk of mums developing breast and ovarian cancers - although mums may be just as interested in hearing that it’s simply less hassle, saves an average of £600 (cost of one tin of formula milk per week for a year plus bottles) per baby because it’s totally free and uses up an additional 500 calories per day - a great way to get back in shape!
Specific Breastfeeding Programmes
There are two specific breastfeeding programmes for the county:
Baby Friendly Initiative
In Shropshire County, The Baby Friendly Initiative aims to improve the support and information available for breastfeeding mums and is earned by health and community facilities implementing best practice standards around infant feeding across Shropshire County. The Trust supports and works with the initiative, which has recently achieved Stage One Accreditation and was highly commended by the Baby Friendly Initiative assessors (UNICEF UK).
The development of the Breastfeeding Peer Support Programme continues to be a priority in supporting mums to breastfeed for longer. Peer support groups are held across the county on a weekly basis and telephone support and information is available seven days per week from 9.00am - 9.00pm.
To speak to a Peer Supporter, telephone:
- 07810 816233 (Shrewsbury area)
- 07768 764147 (South Shropshire)
- 07749 935828 (North Shropshire)
Look out for the Shropshire Welcomes Breastfeeding logo displayed in the windows of shops, cafés, restaurants, child health clinics and GP surgeries. This logo assures breast feeding mothers that premises’ staff will be positive and supportive and that they are welcome to breast feed there. The scheme aims to develop a network of quality assured breastfeeding friendly premises to enable mothers to breastfeed comfortably and confidently when out and about in the community.
For further information about The Baby Friendly Initiative and Shropshire Welcomes Breastfeeding scheme please contact:
Shropshire County’s Baby Friendly Initiative Co-ordinator
Tel: 01743 242439
BEST programme
In Telford and Wrekin the BEST (Breastfeeding Encouragement Support Team) provides a range of service and advice to mums in the Telford and Wrekin area. This includes:
- A place to talk face to face with other mums who are breastfeeding
- A place where you can get practical advice from other mums and health professionals
- A place to celebrate success together
- A place to make new friends
- A place to gain confidence in breastfeeding
For more information on breastfeeding support and advice across Telford and Wrekin, please contact:
Breastfeeding Lead - Sara Ward
Tel: 01952 217430
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