A NEW mum is encouraging more women to breastfeed their babies as campaigners again seek to boost the town's low rates.

When dentist Helen Wheddon, 36, gave birth to Eva at Whiston Hospital in May, she was concerned as she initially struggled to breastfeed.

She said she had planned to breastfeed from the start and was upset by the thought of not being able to do it.

Helen, from Grange Park, said: "I left hospital soon after having Eva and the feeding was fine in the hospital and I was given advice. But once I got home, all the advice went out of my head.

"I had help from my partner Kevin and family during the day, but struggled at night."

Helen accepted the offer of a visit from St Helens' breastfeeding team, and said it took around a week after the visit for her to feel totally comfortable and confident with breastfeeding.

She added: "I knew there were pros and cons to breastfeeding but I wanted to do it as I thought it was best for Eva.

"I don't really know any other women who have breastfed - I know it's not always possible but I think more women in St Helens should try it and stick with it. It is natural, healthy, free and a good bonding experience."

Based on figures from 2012-13, just 22 per cent of St Helens women are breastfeeding by six to eight weeks after discharge from hospital, while the national figure is around double this.

Helen said: "I was adamant I wanted to do it from the start and upset when I struggled - luckily the feeding team got in touch and came out to see me.

"I'd pulled a muscle in my back and couldn't get Eva into position - they helped me get into the correct position.

"They recommended cream for soreness and, later when I was worried I wasn't doing it properly, they gave me more help."

She added: "I don't think I would've given up easily but I'm so glad I persisted because now it's the easiest thing in the world."

For information or help with breastfeeding, go to healthysthelens.co.uk or call 0300 300 0103 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) or 07919 305174 (Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm).