This National Breastfeeding Awareness Week new UK-World Health Organisation growth charts are being introduced to England for the first time, providing accurate guidance on child growth. The charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health will offer important reassurance for parents of breastfed babies, and will replace current charts that were based on predominately formula fed babies. The new charts will help parents and healthcare professionals identify children at risk of obesity at an early age.
In addition to the new growth charts, the Department of Health is extending Breast Buddy, an initiative introduced last year which supports you to breastfeed for longer by encouraging you to nominate a buddy from within your circle of friends and family, who will be able to provide practical and emotional support while you breastfeed.
The theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year is Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby. If you receive help and support - whether it be from a friend or family member, a healthcare professional, or volunteer breastfeeding supporter, you are likely to breastfeed for longer, giving you and your child important health benefits.
The Breast Buddy initiative won't replace the advice of healthcare professionals or trained counsellors which you can find through the National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212, but will provide you with valuable emotional and practical support.
If you'd like more information on the new growth charts, Breast Buddy or activity during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, please send an email to: nbaw@bisslancaster.com
NBAW Conference - Monday, 11th May 2009
The NBAW 2009 conference will be taking place again this year Monday, 11th May 2009 - during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. For more details and to register your attendance at this year's event