Black country mums-to-be and new parents can pick up a breastfeeding advice as well as try pregnancy yoga and find out about antenatal support at two free events in Walsall and Wolverhampton next month.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August 2024), two sessions are being held in partnership with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Council and City of Wolverhampton Council.
There will be breastfeeding support available alongside a range of ‘have a go’ activities such as pregnancy and baby yoga, baby massage, sling safety and access to antenatal support.
The first event will take place on Monday 5 August 2024, 1pm-3pm, at Graiseley Family Hub, WV2 4NE.
The second is taking place on Tuesday 6 August 2024, 10am-2pm at Nash Dom Community Hub, Sun Street, Walsall, WS1 4AL.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with our Family Hubs and NHS colleagues to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and the immense benefits that breastfeeding offers to families and their babies.
“Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for a healthy start in life, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. Improving infant feeding is critical as every child in Walsall deserves the best possible start in life as set out in our We Are Walsall 2040 borough plan.
“We are committed to supporting families and recognise the positive impact breastfeeding has on our community.”
Poppy Davies, Breastfeeding Support Co-ordinator at RWT said: “The UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with studies showing that 90 per cent of UK women stop breastfeeding before they want to.
“We know how difficult it can be though, especially in the early days of breastfeeding, so we hope that parents will come along to find out more about feeding their babies and see what support is on offer for them.
“This way they can feel more prepared to overcome any feeding challenges that may arise when their baby arrives.”
The free, drop-in celebratory events are aimed at parents with young children, new parents, mums-to-be, and their families. For further information, please email: rwh-tr.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net or walsallinfant.feeding@nhs.net.