A programme of special events will take place this week to encourage more mothers to breastfeed in Liverpool.

Events are taking place across the city as part of National Breastfeeding Celebration Week, kicking off today (20 June) with a march from St George’s Hall to Chavasse Park to promote the practice.

Organised by Liverpool Community Bambis, which offers breastfeeding support to mums, other events set to take place over the five-day period include a teddy bears picnic at Walton Children’s Centre and a vintage afternoon tea party at Tuebrook’s Children’s Centre.

Beastfeeding is on the rise in Liverpool, yet despite this the city still lags behind the national average with only around half of new mums feeding naturally compared to almost three quarters across the UK.

Councillor Barry Kushner, cabinet member for children’s services says: “Experts are united in the view that breast feeding even for a short period of time gives children the very best start in life.

“These events are a fun way of spreading the word about the benefits of breastfeeding and informing women about the advantages for the health of both baby and mother.

Sandra Davies, Liverpool’s director of public health adds: “Breast milk really does give babies the best start, as it is all that’s needed for the first six months of life.

“It protects babies from infections and diseases and has many benefits for both children and mothers.”

A Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, which highlights over 200 breastfeeding friendly locations in Liverpool has been also been established and is available to view here.

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