Mums encouraged to 'get closer' to their babies

The ‘Get Closer’ campaign has been launched in St Helens to encourage more mums to breastfeed their babies.

The campaign aims to increase the number of babies being breastfed across St Helens, which historically has had a low number of breastfeeding mothers.

Innovative new resources and training for health staff who work with pregnant women have been devised by Halton and St Helens PCT and St Helens Council.

A range of posters, pens and booklets giving information in a format that women are familiar with, and in a style that is light and enthusiastic will promote the campaign.  Information can be picked up from Children’s Centres across the Borough.
       
'Get Closer' was launched at Peter St Community Centre.  The interactive day offered a chance to win competitions, to understand the issues relating to breastfeeding and to meet with peer counsellors and partner agencies. It was well attended by local people, breastfeeding peer counsellors and health professionals and there were presentations from:

Jim Wilson, Chairman Halton and St Helens PCT
Cllr Shirley Evans, Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services
Fiona Johnstone, Director of Public Health, Halton and St Helens PCT
Dr Dympna Edwards, Deputy Director of Public Health
Claire Lynch, Peer Counsellor (Newton Breast Friends Group)

Dr Edwards, who was delighted with the attendance, said: “We are just starting to see our breastfeeding rates increase in St Helens due to hard work and commitment from our local peer counsellors, health professionals and Children’s Centres. We are hoping to see even more success through the focused work of our Breastfeeding Strategy Group which includes the  'Get Closer' campaign.”

Cllr Evans added:  “I am delighted to be involved, as this is a subject I am personally passionate about. I am committed to supporting this issue which includes promoting local organisations and shops to provide baby welcome facilities for our local families.”

The organisers said that attendees found the event extremely useful and most plan to use the resources in some way in their future practice.  Most also had ideas for the future work of the  St Helens Breastfeeding Strategy Group, and ideas to take back to their own areas of work.  

As part of the campaign to increase breastfeeding, a ‘Baby Welcome Award’ is being piloted in St Helens.  It is awarded to services and public places which provide a baby friendly environment.

To see if you qualify or for information about how to qualify contact Sue Winstanley, St.Helens Healthy Living Programme on 01744 697432.