TAMESIDE AND OLDHAM BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT SERVICE

There is overwhelming evidence that proves breastfeeding provides substantial health and wellbeing benefits for mothers and babies which are experienced well beyond the period of breastfeeding itself. As well as contributing significantly to reducing health inequalities, benefits of breastfeeding can be categorised to the following:

• Infant health: Breastfeeding protects children from a vast range of illnesses including infection, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and obesity, as well as cot death (sudden infant death syndrome).

• Maternal health: Breastfeeding protects mothers from breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease.

• Relationship-building: Breastfeeding supports the mother-baby attachment and relationship and the mental health of both baby and mother.

Tameside and Oldham have significantly lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and 6-8 weeks continuation, compared to the England average. Therefore, Tameside Council, in partnership with Oldham Council, are looking to contract with a provider to implement and deliver a Breastfeeding Peer Support Service. It is expected that the Breastfeeding Peer Support Service will contribute to promoting a social and cultural shift where breastfeeding is viewed as the conventional way to feed a baby, as well as providing one to one and groups support.