TWO new breastfeeding support groups will start up in January - aiming to give the best possible support and information to mums.Rendlesham and Leiston children's centres will host Coastal Bosum Buddies (CBB), a group to encourage parents to find out about the benefits of breastfeeding, how to breastfeed easily and effectively, or simply to chat with other mums over a cup of tea.
TWO new breastfeeding support groups will start up in January - aiming to give the best possible support and information to mums.
Rendlesham and Leiston children's centres will host Coastal Bosum Buddies (CBB), a group to encourage parents to find out about the benefits of breastfeeding, how to breastfeed easily and effectively, or simply to chat with other mums over a cup of tea.
Helen Baskett, breastfeeding support health worker for Suffolk Primary Care Trust, said: “Bosum Buddies is a peer support group where mums can come along to chat to other mums.
“One of our very enthusiastic breast-feeding helpers will be on hand to give information, too.
“It's really important to have a group like this.
“A lot of people give up breast-feeding because they haven't got support or good information.
“If you can share experiences with others, you are more likely to continue breastfeeding.
“Mums can ask questions they might be afraid to ask elsewhere and have the opportunity to socialise, too.
“One of the most common reasons for mums having problems breast-feeding is not being taught how to position their babies onto the breast correctly. By attending support groups they can gain the information and support to address this.”
Experts say the benefits of breast-feeding are wide-ranging, including decreasing the likelihood of childhood obesity. Breast-milk is like a prescription for babies, providing exactly what they need as they develop, whereas formula milk never alters, continually providing a high-energy product.
Coastal Bosum Buddies - a joint-partnership scheme between Suffolk PCT and Suffolk County Council - will be held fortnightly at Rendlesham from January 17 between 10am and noon. Leiston CBB will be weekly from January 18 between 10am and 11.30am.
Similar groups will be set up in Kesgrave, Saxmundham and Woodbridge in the spring.
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