A SPECIAL event is taking place on Monday to give new parents and parents-to-be a range of advice about breastfeeding and infant feeding.

Sunshine Children’s Centre in Orford is the latest children’s centre to benefit from having a ‘Bosom Buddies’ group.

Bosom Buddies provides local support and advice for mums who choose to breastfeed. The groups are run by breastfeeding champions, which include health visitors, midwives, staff nurses, nursery nurses and ‘Bosom Buddies’ volunteers who have been trained to offer support and advice.

All Warrington children’s centres are designated breastfeeding friendly premises and have passed Stage 1 of the UNICEF ‘Baby Friendly Initiative.

This means mothers are welcome to breastfeed their babies and the environment is designed to promote a positive breastfeeding experience.

Only 61% of new mums in Warrington start breastfeeding and only 37% are still breastfeeding after six weeks

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health, said: “There is lots of support and advice available for new parents in Warrington to help them give their child the best start possible.

“Support can make a real difference to successful breastfeeding so building a network of people who can share tips and advice or attending local breastfeeding groups, such as Bosom Buddies, can also be beneficial for those who might require a bit more help.”

The event will take place on Monday, February 19, 10am until 12pm, at Sunshine Children’s Centre, O’Leary Street, Warrington, WA2 7RQ. 

If you’re interested in finding out about volunteering for the breastfeeding service in Warrington, please email carole.brazier@bridgewater.nhs.uk. You don’t need any formal experience, just some experience of breastfeeding your own baby and a passion for breastfeeding.

Bosom Buddies groups are held at:

Great Sankey Children’s Centre, Liverpool Road – Monday, 10am until 11.30am

Sunshine Children’s Centre, O’Leary Street, Orford – Monday, 11am until 12.30pm

Sandy Lane Children’s Centre, Sandy Lane, Orford – Tuesday, 1.30pm until 3pm

Orchard Children’s Centre, Hilden Road, Padgate – Wednesday, 10.30am until 12pm

Westy Children’s Centre, Tinsley Street, Latchford – Thursday, 10am until 12pm

Great Sankey Children’s Centre, Liverpool Road – Friday 10am until 11.30am