Teesside mums encouraged to breastfeed their new babies
It's part of the 'Mamazing' campaign across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland
Mums in Teesside are being encouraged to try breastfeeding their new babies as part of a new campaign.
It comes as the council says South Tees has a below-average breastfeeding initiation rate and funding for the campaign has come from Government.
Timmi Duncan, who's from Redcar, gave birth to Enid in January this year. She is also the mum of five year-old Ida-Mae and two year-old Maevis.
Timmi said: "The hardest part of breastfeeding for me has been having to stop. For me, there is something magical about breastfeeding. You learn that it really is amazing, magic stuff for baby.
"If your baby is sick your body often ‘knows’ through your baby’s saliva – that’s how in tune you are with your child – and the milk will change to contain more antibodies. It’s the same if it’s very hot – your milk will sometimes increase water content a little to hydrate the baby. This stuff blows my mind! My advice to new mothers is be a bit stubborn and keep going.”
Not that breastfeeding has always been easy for Timmi who, like most new mums, had to persevere, especially with her first. Aware that many other new mothers struggle she advises mums-to-be to start researching breastfeeding while pregnant.
She added: "But for me, it hasn’t been that initial tough start that was the main thing. Instead, it’s the opposite - the easiness of it, the convenience. None of that faff with bottles. You can leave the house with a lot less endless packing and unpacking of bags. And it really calms your child when they’re upset. The crying often just stops - again, like magic.”
Timmi is a breastfeeding ambassador as part of a campaign across Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.
Cllr Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Culture & Education, said: “The incredible Mamazing campaign has already done so much to promote and normalise breastfeeding for mothers in our area. Being able to read and listen to the experiences of our fantastic ambassadors can give mothers the confidence and knowledge they need to breastfeed themselves. We know how beneficial it is for babies and mothers, which is why it's so important for us to continue to spread the message of support and make a positive difference."
Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Many studies show the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. It's something we have been encouraging in Redcar and Cleveland in recent times, leading to increasing numbers of mothers choosing to breastfeed. It's not always straightforward, so we don't want to question mothers who try unsuccessfully. So, these mothers coming forward to share their story are amazing. Hopefully, they will inspire more new mums, so I would like to thank each and every one of them."
The authorities say health benefits of breastfeeding include stronger immunity from illness and infections and for mothers - a reduced risk of breast cancer. It can also add to the intensity of bonding with baby and child and support brain development.
Find much more information about the campaign and Family Hubs in Middlesbrough here.
Find more information about the campaign and Family Hubs in Redcar and Cleveland here.
Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding here.