Be a star - Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life - breastfed babies have a lower chance of developing eczema, getting ear, chest and tummy bugs, becoming obese and developing diabetes when they are older. It is also great for mums. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and as breastfeeding uses about 500 calories a day many women who breastfeed say they find it easier to get back to their pre-pregnancy figure. Breastfeeding is practical, free, can be discreet and is an amazing achievement to be proud of.

Lynn Fitzharris, breastfeeding consultant for NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “Breastfeeding is the healthiest start you can give your baby as breast milk is nutritionally balanced with the perfect amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and iron to help the baby grow."

“Figures show that York has the lowest rate of breastfeeding in North Yorkshire so it’s really important that we encourage as many young women as possible to consider trying it. Even if the mother is unable to breastfeed all of the time, some breastfeeding is better than none.”

For more information about breastfeeding support in York, contact Lynn Fitzharris on 01904 724889 or contact the National Breastfeeding helpline: 0300 100 0212.