NCT Watch

Last week, the Department of Health announced £150,000 of extra funding for a National Breastfeeding Helpline in order to provide breastfeeding mothers with reassurance, support and practical help in a bid to help them breastfeed for longer and tackle rising levels of childhood obesity. The Helpline is intended to promote breastfeeding to mothers, an aim which was announced with the publication of “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives”, the government’s strategy for tackling obesity in January. The Minister for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo also announced £240,000 in support of National Breastfeeding Awareness, which she identified as a key activity in the promotion of breastfeeding.

The Department of Health is providing resources to support National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, including pens, key rings, lanyards, diary covers, post it notes and fridge magnets, will be available from late March free of charge by NCT branches.  For more information on how to access these resources, or to find out how you can get involved in Breastfeeding Awareness Week contact the NCT’s Campaigns Support Officer on 0208 752 2332.