West Lothian celebrates local breastfeeding achievements

The 13 women, who have spent the last three months learning how to help, support and advise mothers on breastfeeding, graduated at a special event held at Craigsfarm in Livingston recently.

Now they are trained volunteer breastfeeding peer support workers, the women will be available for one-to-one support at breastfeeding support groups, in the new family's home and by telephone.

Ruth McMaster, breastfeeding volunteer peer support worker, said: "I am really looking forward to providing practical help and support to other mums, when they need it most. I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to offer breastfeeding support.

"Research has shown that a lot of mums who do choose to breastfeed often give up within the first few days, but we are hoping that by being there for them, we can support them through any problems."

The event also recognised five local businesses that have demonstrated a positive policy on breastfeeding. The Daisy Drop-in, The Low Port Centre, Craigsfarm, Almond Valley Heritage Trust and Almond Enterprises were all awarded with a 'breastfeeding friendly' award.

Theresa Douglas, Chair of West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP), who presented the mothers and businesses with their awards said: "I am delighted that this group of women have successfully completed their training and will be able to encourage and help other mothers to breastfeed their children.

"I am also pleased to see local businesses are providing a positive policy towards breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is both respectable and natural, and it is fantastic that these businesses recognise that and encourage it on their premises.

"In West Lothian, currently a quarter of mothers breastfeed; our target is to have a third breastfeeding by 2011. The work the mothers and the businesses do, will not only help us deliver our target, but it will also help support many future generations of mothers to breastfeed."

The plan is to roll out a full programme of breastfeeding support training across West Lothian in the New Year.

For further information on training, accessing breastfeeding support or to apply for a 'breastfeeding friendly' award, contact Dorothy Bradley, Infant Feeding Advisor on 01506 771786.