Bognor mums backing breastfeeding

http://www.chichester.co.uk/news/Bognor-mums-backing-breastfeeding.4107130.jp
Some 30 mums have gathered in Bognor Regis town centre to promote breastfeeding.
The mothers and their young children took part in the meeting to promote national breastfeeding week.

They filled the Costa Coffee branch in London Road to reflect their feelings that it is one of a few local retailers to make them feel truly welcome when its comes to breastfeeding.

Clare Meynell, the infant feeding specialist at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, said: "We want to emphasise the fact that breastfeeding is as normal to mums as meeting to have a coffee and chat with a friend.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against disease, boosts their immune system and helps women get their figure back quicker."

The mums attend the Honeysuckle Cafe at Bognor Regis Children's Centre in Victoria Drive.

From this, a peer support group has been set up through a joint county and district council and NHS initiative.

The idea is to raise the level of breastfeeding in areas where it is traditionally lower than average.

Among the mums at last week's meeting was Sue Page. The North Bersted mother-of-four provides support to Denise Edwards.

Sue (32), whose children are aged 18 months, six years, eight years and ten years, said: "I've breastfed all my children and I want to help other mothers do the same.

"It's more convenient and cheaper than having to worry about sterilising bottles and buying formula milk."

Public attitudes to breastfeeding had changed in the past decade, she stated. But she called for more facilities.

"Often, the only places available are toilets and, if you were an adult, how many of them want to be fed there?" she asked.

Fellow North Bersted resident Denise (37), whose children are aged two weeks and 23 months, said: "It's good to have Sue to talk to. She comes round every other night and we are always phoning and texting each other."

Costa Coffee store manager Angela Ede stated: "We have always been happy for mothers to breastfeed and, for all those who prefer a more private area, we offer baby changing facilities.

"Our staff will also warm bottles for mothers, deliver drinks to their tables and go out of their way to accommodate families."

____________________________________________________________