Events across Highland mark Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Issued by NHS Highland

People across Highland are being invited along to a number of events being held in Highland to mark this year’s Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

Soft play and Play Away Music are just some of the highlights that will be on offer in Thurso this week as NHS Highland’s infant feeding support worker will be holding a tea party to celebrate all things breastfeeding.

The tea party, which will be taking place at E’Shed on Naver Road, Thurso on Wednesday 22nd June starting at 1pm, is open to all with plenty to do for mums, babies and toddlers.

Also taking place this week on Friday 24 June is a picnic in Noah’s Ark, Alness with highlights including the Care and Learning Alliance, Childsmile and a baby-wearing demonstration.

The week will also mark the start of a new infant feeding support group in Hilton, Inverness.

The group, which will start on Wednesday 22 June at the Hilton Community Centre from 10:30am, is there as support for anyone who is breastfeeding giving them a friendly, welcoming environment where they can meet their peers and receive advice and support.

As part of their first meeting they will also be holding a baby massage session from 10-10:30am for those interested.

Karen Mackay, infant feeding advisor for NHS Highland, explained that breastfeeding provides a baby with the very best start in life and is also beneficial to the mother’s health.

She said: “Benefits for the baby may include reducing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. For the mother, they include a reduced risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

“It is also cheaper than bottle-feeding and is part of the bonding process between mother and child.

“However, breastfeeding is not always easy. Some mums can find it quite difficult, particularly in the early days, and sometimes all that is needed to encourage them to carry on is some friendly support and advice from someone who has done it themselves.

“We have over 50 peers in Highland who offer support in a variety of ways to any mums who need it. I would encourage those interested to try and attend an event in their area this week so they can learn more about what help and support is available."