National Breastfeeding Awareness Week launches today, Sunday 8 May in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Mums-to-be are being urged to give breastfeeding a go!

Cate Carrington-Green, Patch Manager (lead for children’s and family services) and health visitor explained:

“Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT considers breastfeeding to be a priority and as such have again supported the national campaign. This year, on Wednesday 11 May (10.00 – 16.00), health visitors will be setting up a promotional stand and talking to shoppers at Tescos, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham. There will be information, freebies and quizzes. They will not only be targeting women expecting or new mums, but also fathers and grandparents.”

In a new initiative, the PCT is also supporting its own staff returning to work after maternity leave and who want to continue to breastfeed their baby. Returning mums are being given the opportunity to reserve a ‘hospital grade’ electric breast pump to help them to express milk during the working day so that their milk supply can be retained. This is a new service which will be launched on Tuesday 10 May, during Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

All year round the PCT encourages local Breastfeeding Support Groups in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury run by Health Visitors in partnership with mothers(details at end).

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week is a week-long campaign by the Department of Health to encourage and raise awareness of breastfeeding to young mums and mums-to-be. This year, the week aims to highlight the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby and to their partners, peers and families.

Give breastfeeding a go because it makes a difference for the mother:

• No special equipment – no mixing and no heating. Doesn’t cost a penny


• Helps mum regain her shape more quickly after childbirth


• Helps develop a strong emotional bond with your child


• Can reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer

Breastfeeding makes a difference for the baby:

• Provides perfect nutrition for the first six months


• Breastmilk provides complete nutrition and many health benefits, such as preventing stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma, eczema and allergies


• Reduces likelihood of obesity in later life

Further information:

Breast Feeding Support Groups in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury:

• BAPS – meet Mondays 9.30 – 11.30 - Hesters Way Community Resource Centre, Cheltenham


• SureStart Bears – meet Fridays 10 – 11.30 - Cornerstones, Whadden (for mothers living in Whaddon, Lynworth and Priors), Cheltenham


• Babes – meet Thursdays 10 – 11.30 - Ray Shill Building, The Parish Office, Northway, Tewkesbury