THIS month marks World Breastfeeding Week, with the health benefits of breast feeding being promoted to new mums and mums-to-be across St Helens.

The occasion is celebrated every August in more than 120 countries, but with low rates of breast feeding in St Helens, the initiative is particularly important.

Recent NHS figures show that more than three quarters of local mums do not breast feed despite it increasing in the rest of the country.

Local figures are below the national average, with 22 per cent of babies at six to eight-weeks being breast fed, compared with the national average of 45 per cent.

With breast feeding recognised as the best form of feeding for infants, babies who aren’t breast fed are missing out.

Dympna Edwards, deputy director of public health at NHS Halton and St Helens, said: “Breastfeeding can have so many benefits for mum and baby.

“Mother’s milk is the ultimate designer food for the baby and helps babies fight infection and prevents them having problems later such as obesity and heart problems.”

Breastfeeding can also help give mothers a boost.

“Mothers who breast feed lose weight and regain their pre-pregnancy figure more quickly through breastfeeding for a few months after birth,” added Dympna.

“Most mums and babies really enjoy breastfeeding as it creates a really close bond.

“For some mums and babies it takes a little time to learn the technique and some babies may need time and encouragement when you feed.

“If you are having problems don’t give up, just ask for support from your midwife or health visitor. Every day you breastfeed is a day your baby is protected.”

In 2007, the Get Closer campaign was launched to try tackle the low rates of breastfeeding in the area.

Get Closer worked with families by supporting new mums and mum-to-be to make educated choices about how to feed their young.

The Baby Welcome Award was developed for local businesses and venues to be recognised as being family-friendly.

More than 70 premises in St Helens are part of the award. They display a sticker in their window showing they make mothers welcome and provide appropriate support whether they wish to breast feed or bottle feed.

Dympna said: “You can still go out and about when you are feeding your baby.

“There are more than 70 premises across St Helens which welcome babies being breast fed and have changing facilities, so there is no need to be embarrassed about breast feeding in public.”

Baby Welcome venues continue to grow across the area, and any business wishing to be part of the campaign can contact 0151 495 5450.

Breast feeding mums can also get help by calling the national breast feeding helpline on 0844 209 0920.