MORE women in Lincolnshire are choosing to breastfeed their babies as rates increase by five per cent within a year, figures from the Department of Health reveal.
Breast milk is free and available whenever and wherever your baby needs a feed, while it can cost around £45 a month to feed a child with formula.
NHS Lincolnshire is working to promote this message through a series of events and activities including the relaunch of the Breaststart support group at Market Deeping Children’s Centre on Friday, June 29, from 11.45am to 1.15pm.
Lynne McNiven, consultant in public health for NHS Lincolnshire said: “Not only is breastfeeding the cheapest feeding option, many mums don’t realise that breastfeeding helps mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight and can burn around 500 calories a day.
“Breastfeeding your child can help protect them from infections and illness and reduce child obesity. For women it can reduce the risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis and ovarian cancer. It really is healthiest for you and your baby.
Find your local breastfeeding support group at www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk