Breastfeeding mothers have expressed thanks for the support they receive from drop-in sessions, as World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2024 is being celebrated.

Mothers from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) attend the weekly breastfeeding drop-in sessions at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and Kendal West Children's Centre.

Support, advice, and information are offered to parents at the sessions.

World Breastfeeding Week takes place from Thursday, August 1 until Wednesday, August 7 this year, under the theme of ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All.'

A promotional poster for World Breastfeeding Week 2024A promotional poster for World Breastfeeding Week 2024 (Image: Supplied)

In the last decade, the worldwide percentage of infants under six months old who are exclusively breastfed has risen by 10% and is now 48%.

Breastfeeding aids child development by protecting from infections, strengthening the immune system, and supplying vital nutrients.

Kath Kennedy, Infant Feeding Support Worker for UHMBT, and Wendy Thompson, Infant Feeding Midwife Lead for UHMBT, pointed out that Breastfeeding Week was an opportune time to promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

At a gathering at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, breastfeeding mothers said that the group was a great place to meet others, share mutual support, and learn from each other, especially for first-time mums.

Ms Kennedy said: "I love chatting with the mums at the drop-in sessions and we build up a good relationship, which is really nice.

Kath Kennedy, whose career began at a hospital in Manchester, returned to the South Lakes when her twins were born (Image: Supplied)

"I like to help mums solve any problems they might be having and achieving their breastfeeding goals; it’s very rewarding knowing you have been able to help someone.

"When you are breastfeeding it really matters that you get the right support – the earlier, the better.

"I visit antenatal clinics to talk with people about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to get this off to a good start.

"We have received very positive feedback.

"Breastfeeding has been my passion for many years due to the midwife who delivered my twins.

"I wasn’t sure if I was going to breastfeed, as my twins were premature, but the midwife gave me vital knowledge that encouraged me and I was able to express milk to encourage my supply, which enabled me to offer breastmilk exclusively which was the best to offer my babies."

Ms Thompson said: "Promoting the benefits of breastfeeding has always been my passion.

"There is a lovely atmosphere in our drop-in groups and the mums are very happy to get the support.

Wendy Thompson, Infant Feeding Midwife Lead for UHMBTWendy Thompson, Infant Feeding Midwife Lead for UHMBT (Image: Supplied)

"When you are a new mum, it can be a challenge just to get out of the house.

"This is somewhere they can come and meet other parents and have Kath’s amazing support.

"We also let parents know about all the other organisations that offer support such as the National Childbirth Trust, Action for Children, Family Action and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

"Breastfeeding has so many benefits for babies and mums.

"It protects babies from cancer such as childhood leukaemia, and it helps prevent cot death.

"As it boosts the immune system, it also protects mum and baby from infection.

"There is a lot of research to back this up.

"The Lancet published a paper which showed that 820,000 lives could be saved each year if we increased our breastfeeding rates.

"The Lancet highlighted the fact that infants and young children are most likely to survive, grow and develop to their full potential when breastfed.

"Breastfeeding isn’t just about the baby having breast milk – it’s about the bond that is formed and the relationship between mother/partner and baby.

"We talk with mums before the baby is born to share the benefits of Skin to Skin and breastfeeding.

"It helps to be prepared in advance.

"Breastfeeding can be challenging for mums, but if they are able to breastfeed, it is one of the best ways to ensure their baby’s future health and development.

"We recommend breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and then to start bringing in solids.

"We are trying to increase the breastfeeding rates at our Trust and are proud to be implementing the national ‘Baby Friendly Initiative’ in partnership with UNICEF."

In 2023, 67% of mums who gave birth at UHMBT breastfed within the first 48 hours.

More information about the weekly drop-in sessions at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and Kendal West Children's Centre can be obtained by contacting Ms Kennedy at kath.kennedy@mbht.nhs.uk.