It's World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) and the theme this year is "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet". Breastfeeding provides every child with the best possible start in life. It delivers health, nutritional and emotional benefits to both children and mothers.
Vanessa Wooding, Baby Friendly Infant Feeding Coordinator said: "For a mother and her baby breastfeeding will secure the bond between them and provide that baby with all that it requires in the first months of life. This will continue to protect and promote that baby's development as it grows. Breastfeeding can empower and unite women around the world, it reduces health inequalities and supports a healthier planet. Globally, in 2020, we are facing enormous health, environmental, social and economic challenges, never has it been more important to promote, support and recognise the impact and advantages of breastfeeding for our recovery and our future."
Click here to watch our interview with first-time mum, Rebecca who talks about how our Tower Hamlets Baby Feeding service has supported her during her breastfeeding journey.
We are still here to support you
To help support you through your breastfeeding journey, our services will continue to promote, protect, and support you during COVID-19 and beyond. Our wonderful Health Visiting and Family Nurse Partnership services are offering video chat, telephone consultations, a duty advice line and some clinics for those in particular need. All the information and support the services offer is research and evidenced based and the information is most up to date.
Our fabulous Tower Hamlets Baby Feeding Service continue to offer bedside contacts with new mothers in hospital and are following up with postnatal clinics and video calls to all breastfeeding new mothers. The antenatal and support groups are also continuing to support mothers online.
Further breastfeeding information:
NHS Start 4 Life: Breastfeeding advice Click here
UNICEF: Support for Parents Click here
UNICEF: COVID-19 Guidance and Resources to support you Click here
If you need support, you can get in touch with any of the Baby feeding helplines below:
Tower Hamlets Baby Feeding Service – Tel: 02035942591 or call/text on 07961609626
Facebook | Twitter – Follow @b2bth
National Breastfeeding Helpline – Tel: 0300 100 0212, 9.30am – 9.30pm
BfN Supporter line (Bengali / Sylheti) – Tel: 0300 456 2421, 9.30am – 9.30pm
La Lech League – Tel: 0345 120 2918
NCT – Tel: 0300 330 0700, 8.00am – 12.00 midnight