A SPECIAL event for new or soon-to-be new mothers will take place in Hatherleigh this weekend. A special day, to celebrate breastfeeding awareness week, will be held at Hatherleigh Children's Centre between 10am and noon on Saturday, May 10. The day will be packed full of information about breastfeeding with experts on hand to offer help, support and advice. There will also be people on hand to inform mothers about all the different children's services in the area. The day would not be complete without fun activities for the whole family that will be rounded off by a picnic lunch. National Breastfeeding Awareness Week is from May 11 to May 17 with different activities and events taking place across the country. A statement for the NBAW said: 'The NBAW is aiming to raise awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding and to support mums in giving their baby the best start in life. 'Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and the Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods after six months. 'Research shows the majority of mums would like to breastfeed their babies but often struggle and give up in the first few weeks. 'With support from health workers, breastfeeding counsellors, friends and family, mums are more likely to continue to breastfeed.' Support for breastfeeding mums is available from breastfeeding groups, midwives or through the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0844 2090920. For further information on the breastfeeding awareness week and the event in Hatherleigh contact Hatherleigh Children's Centre on 01837 811190, Okehampton Children's Centre on 07787162184 or Okehampton Maternity Unit on 01837 658013.
