Breast-feeding events at Clifton Park and Rotherham Hospital

The Global Big Latch On, taking place during World Breast-feeding Week (August 1 to 7), aims to strengthen support for breast-feeding and improve the health of children and women.

The initiative has been set up by World Alliance for Breast-feeding Action and will be the third time it has come to Rotherham.

The local event is being supported by Rotherham Hospital and RMBC and will be at Clifton Park on Friday, August 5 from 9.45am to 1pm.

Mums can take their babies, toddlers and wider families to the event, which last year was celebrated in 28 countries and attracted 15,336 women. 

Audra Muxlow, head of midwifery at Rotherham Hospital, said: “We know that breast-feeding provides the best possible start in life for babies and gives them the greatest foundation for living long and healthy lives. 

“We are very fortunate in Rotherham to have a strong support network of expert breast-feeding midwives and health visitors, along with our Breast Buddies team and local businesses who offer a welcoming place for mums to breast-feed in Rotherham.

“This will be a fantastic event because it encourages mums to come together and encourage and support other women in choosing to breast-feed.”

Health experts said breast-feeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies, protecting them against illnesses such as cot death, breathing disorders, infections, gastroenteritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. 

It can also reduce the mum’s risk of osteoporosis and some cancers. 

The hospital’s Breast-feeding Peer Trainers, Breast Buddies and other mums will be on hand to offer support and advice. 

Breast Buddy Libby Holden (36) from Maltby, will be attending the event for the third year with her two-and-a-half year old daughter Mia. 

Libby said: “I became a Breast Buddy because after I had Mia I wanted to help other mums who felt as passionately about breast-feeding as I did.

“If you are breast-feeding, or would like to, then this is a great event to come and meet other mums and get any support you need from Breast Buddies like me, especially if you are struggling to breast-feed or don’t feel confident. 

“I’m sure that like previous years, it will be a really lovely atmosphere where mums are there to support each other. 

“It shows breast-feeding is normal and helps give women confidence.”

During World Breast-feeding Week new and expectant mums are also invited to Rotherham Hospital’s community corner (in the hospital’s foyer) between 10am and 4pm on August 1 to talk to the Breast-feeding Peer Trainers. 

Mums can find out more about the benefits of breast-feeding and what support is on offer in the community. 

A group of six Breast Buddies will also be completing their training on August 3. 

The women have dedicated two hours a week for nine weeks to the course, in which they learn more about anatomy and physiology, responsive breast-feeding, challenges, births and babies. 

Once they have graduated, they will be volunteering in children’s centres across Rotherham.