Infant Feeding Teams and volunteers who support Black Country mums and families will step into the spotlight this World Breastfeeding Week as their important roles in healthcare are recognised.

The Black Country LMNS (Local Maternity and Neonatal System) is proud of the ongoing efforts of its teams across The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to ensure mums have the accessible support and information they need to breastfeed their babies.

 All four Trusts support World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) which is championed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ministries of Health and civil society partners around the globe and reminds the public and policymakers that breastfeeding lays the foundation for lifelong health and development.

 This year, under the banner “Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future”, the campaign focuses on the ongoing support that women and babies need from the healthcare system throughout their breastfeeding experience.

Helen Hurst, BC LMNS Chief Midwifery Officer, said: “We want to ensure our mums are able to easily access the clear and consistent information and support they need to make informed feeding decisions, noting that we want all babies to receive optimal nutrition whatever choices are made.

“For those who choose to breastfeed – breast milk provides antibodies that protect against common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and infections – the information and support offered should also be tailored to the needs of the many communities who use our services. This support is so vital, particularly in the early days of breastfeeding which can sometimes be challenging.

“We need to make sure women breastfeed for as long as they want. Sadly,  we know the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with studies showing that 90 per cent of UK women stop breastfeeding before they want to.

“We have some fantastic people across our Trusts – both within Infant Feeding Teams and peer support volunteers – with the most up to date training and knowledge to help breastfeeding mums and families. This World Breastfeeding Week I’d like to thank them for the difference they make, either through one to one support or through the many groups and sessions they are part of.”

For Infant Feeding support across the Black Country please visit bit.ly/4l5LYJK