6 February 2017
NHS Borders continues to focus on promoting, protecting and celebrating breastfeeding in the Borders.
NHS Borders is committed to ensuring that families have access to information and support with breastfeeding. This is essential so that mothers can make an informed choice about what is best for both themselves and their baby. With that in mind, the Joint Health Improvement Team is hosting a Bump to Baby Event on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 in the Langlee Early Years Centre within Langlee Primary School from 10am – 11am.
The event is aimed at mums to be, their partners and friends along with families with babies up to six months of age, and will provide an opportunity to meet professionals and local organisations who can provide support and information about pregnancy, becoming a parent and of course breastfeeding.
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health said: “Evidence has shown that breastfeeding has many health benefits for mothers and their babies. The latest statistics released by Information Services Division (ISD) show that 34.1% of mothers in the Borders are exclusively breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks, more than 5% higher than the national average of 28.2%.
He continued, “We actively encourage mothers to make their choices based on their own set of circumstances with our ultimate aim to continue to strengthen the support that women who are considering breast feeding in the Scottish Borders receive, by signposting them to the help and support available. ‘Breastfeeding in the Borders Support’ (Bibs) provide guidance and support to all mums in a variety of ways which include Breastfeeding Support Volunteers in post natal wards, working with Community Midwives & Health Visitors, assisting with local Breastfeeding Support Groups and 1:1 peer support.”
For more information about Breastfeeding in the Borders visit: /BiBS