NCT Watch

Date: April 2008
NCT National Press Release

Breastfeed with pride says NCT

As National Breastfeeding Awareness Week approaches (11-17 May) the NCT is marking the Week by encouraging NCT branches nationwide to host events and activities in their local area.
Local branches will be calling on shops, cafes and leisure facilities to do everything they can to promote the fact that local breastfeeding mothers will be made welcome.

The charity wants to encourage more mothers to give breastfeeding a go and engage the support of their family and friends – this will enable mothers to feel confident about breastfeeding for as long as they want to and give their baby the healthiest possible start in life.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of the NCT said;
“We are proud our branches are supporting National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Research shows that the benefits of breastfeeding start right from day one, so every day of breastfeeding is a reason to feel proud. This is especially important for the nine out of 10 women who stop breastfeeding before they want to. We want the families and friends of women who breastfeed to recognise the support they give can also make a real difference to a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and make a positive difference to babies’ health.”

Trained NCT breastfeeding counsellors are locally available seven days a week to answer questions and provide support around baby feeding. For further information call the NCT Breastfeeding Line on 0870 444 8708 Mon-Sun between 8am and 10pm.

In addition to the helpline, the NCT runs breastfeeding courses for parents who want to learn about baby feeding and related matters. A trained NCT breastfeeding counsellor helps parents and enables them to be in a better position to be able to breastfeed it they want to. Call NCT Enquiries for more details on 0870 444 8707.

The charity is also lending its support to the National Breastfeeding Conference for health professionals on 12th May. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk;

Ends

Notes to Editors:
· The NCT has books and booklets relating to breastfeeding which can be ordered from NCT Sales 0870 112 1120 or visit www.nctsales.co.uk Breastfeeding - A Good Start-Breastfeeding: how to express and store your milk. Breastfeeding for Beginners.
· The National Breastfeeding Conference takes place 12th May 2008 at Church House Conference Centre, London. The RCM is hosting the joint conference by the Department of Health, RCN, NCT, Communtiy Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association and others. The Conference will showcase recent national initiatives and has professional accreditation for health professionals. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk
· NCT is a proud member of the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition. www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk. The Breastfeeding Manifesto outlines seven key objectives which we are campaigning to have implemented into UK policy and legislation. It will ensure that mothers are supported so that they are able to breastfeed. The Manifesto has a wide range of Coalition members from Royal Colleges to environmental organisations and highlights the wide benefits breastfeeding can have on society. For more information and to sign up as a supporter, please visit www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk