This week, health professionals are encouraging mums and mums-to-be to give breastfeeding a go, as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (10–16 May 2009).

1. Karen Grimshaw, Director of Nursing and Midwifery from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, John Richards, Chief Executive of NHS Plymouth and Barry Keel, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council will be signing a manifesto showing a city-wide commitment to supporting and encouraging breastfeeding and making Plymouth a baby-friendly city.
2. Staff within the maternity department at Derriford Hospital and the peer supporters will be taking part in a staff breastfeeding quiz, a poster competition and preparing displays on the maternity wards.
3. There will be celebrations at many of the Plymouth “Latch on” support groups, which are a resource for all breastfeeding mothers or parents wanting to find out more about breastfeeding.
4. A patient quiz that will be handed out to mums and mums-to-be on the wards
5. An event in the city centre at the Place de Brest on Saturday. 

Clare Perkins, Midwife and Breastfeeding Co-ordinator at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Breast milk is the perfect baby food, and breastfeeding is the healthiest option for mother and baby – it is easier to digest for babies and can help to protect against stomach bugs and chest infections, as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood.

“To reinforce our commitment to supporting and encouraging breastfeeding in Plymouth, health professionals in the city have put together a week of events, including the official signing of the Plymouth breastfeeding manifesto, quizzes, competitions and more.”

On the last day of the official awareness week, Saturday 16th, shoppers in Plymouth city centre will not fail to see the pink Latch-On bus, which will be parked at the aptly named Place de Brest. Health professions from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Plymouth will be on hand between 8.30am-5.30pm to give advice and support. Passers-by will be invited to take part in a quiz and enter into a free prize draw. Prizes have been donated by local businesses, including Jump, the National Marine Aquarium, Tamar FOLK children’s centre, holistic massage and much more.

The bus will also provide a mobile Latch-On support group for the day, offering parents the chance to get more information and advice about breastfeeding.

“We want to raise the general publics awareness of breastfeeding and let them know that this is the most natural way to feed a baby. We will asking men to enter our prize draw too, because Fathers have a very important role in supporting their partners whilst breastfeeding and can positively influence the length of time a mother breastfeeds for. Peer supporters and health professionals will be available to answer question, give information and breastfeeding support to anyone who visits us this Saturday in the City Centre”