Sefton residents reassured that breastfeeding support is available.

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This World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), health organisations in Sefton are reassuring new parents that there is still infant feeding support available during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and that group sessions and one to one support are now back up and running.

 Breastfeeding is scientifically proven to improve outcomes to both mother and baby. Studies show that breastfeeding can:

help babies fight infections and illnesses

help strengthen the bond between mother and baby

lower the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and breast cancer

Chrissie Cooke, chief nurse for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, so whilst we recommend for optimum growth and development that babies are given nothing but breast milk for the first six months (26 weeks) of their life, we know that this is not always possible.

 “Whether you are breastfeeding or using first infant formula there is local advice to support you in your choice. 

 “However, if you have any problems or concerns with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist can help.”

 Led by volunteers, the Sefton Breastfeeding Support Service provides practical and emotional support to expectant and new mothers – call 0151 291 8010 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

There are two group drop-in sessions that new parents or pregnant women can attend, and these are held in Southport and Netherton:

 Friday 1-3pm, Netherton Feelgood Factory

Thursday 9.30am – 11.30am, The Hart Space, Southport

New mums can also arrange one to one sessions by calling the service and their facebook page ‘Breastfeeding Support Sefton’ has lots of useful information and support for new Mums.

 One Mum in Sefton went to the group for the first time recently and said: “We went to the feelgood factory today for our first time at the support group and so glad we went and got to speak to some people there and go through some questions prior to us having the baby.

 “Also, I feel glad that I can go there if I need support or have any questions once the baby is here.”

    Universal support from Health Visiting Services continues and families with more complex feeding issues can be referred to the Specialist Infant Feeding Service. You can contact your Health Visiting Team as here: www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/south-sefton/health-visiting-team

 The National Breastfeeding Helpline can be reached on 0300 100 0212 from 9:30am to 9:30pm every day. The Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend chatbot is also available any time day or night for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice.”

 If you have any questions, concerns, or need some advice (whether you are breastfeeding or using first infant formula), call the NCT helpline (0300 330 0700).