HEALTH chiefs are hoping a new service will encourage more new mums in Winsford to breast feed their children by providing support and information.

The Baby Caf, based at St Andrews Methodist Church on Dingle Lane, is a drop-in centre that provides mums with the chance to get expert advice and meet likeminded parents.

Marguerite Youngs, chair of the breastfeeding committee for Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust, said: "Winsford has a different social structure to other places so the breast feeding rate is fairly low.

"We are hoping by providing information we can change that because the health benefits of breast feeding for both the mother and child are immense.

"There are middle class people in Winsford but there are also a lot of unemployed people or in lower social classes.

"It is less likely that this group of people are going to breast feed but all it takes is a few people to break the mould and that can all change."

A health visitor is available at the Baby Caf to offer advice and specialist knowledge and Marguerite is urging people to come along.

She said: "Women can often be embarrassed to breast feed so it is important that they are provided with an environment they feel comfortable in.

"Mothers and expectant mothers should come along to find out more about it.

"It is also a great way them to meet new people and that is also a great advantage for new mothers."

For more information, contact Marguerite on 01606 855307, or Katherine Ross on 01606 42765.

For a full list of all the baby cafes in the UK, visit the website on www.thebabycafe.co.uk

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk