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Ministers target low-income mums in breastfeeding drive

  • Published: 13 May 2008 09:45
  • Last Updated: 13 May 2008 09:45
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Ministers target low-income mums in breastfeeding drive

Young mothers from low-income backgrounds are being encouraged to access support to help them breastfeed for longer as part of a new government initiative.

The Department of Health has launched the Breast Buddy initiative, as part of this week's National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, targeted at young mums aged 16 to 25 years.

It will be fronted by celebrity mum and Atomic Kitten member Jenny Frost and encourage young mums to get emotional and practical support while breastfeeding by nominating a buddy from within their circle of friends and family.

Young mums who sign up will receive an information pack including an NHS leaflet and a fridge magnet featuring breastfeeding helplines. Mother and buddy will also receive texts of encouragement for the first six months.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said: 'It is imperative that we support our most vulnerable families to make breastfeeding the norm and improve health outcomes for all.'

 

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Reader Response

Added: Tuesday, 13 May 2008 15:43 BST
Elena Beth Millward, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

I think this is a fantastic idea, especially for low-income families and young mums. One it encourages them to breastfeed which is the most impotnat, and 100% best for mother and baby but breastfeeding will also save them money. Hopefully this idea will catch on and and we will see a lot more people breastfeeding. Breast certainly is best whichever way you look at it on all levels. Plus teenagers will be more inclined to breastfeed when they have children, if mothers older than them in the same genration or next generation brestfeed.

Beth - Health and Social Care Student


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