Hartlepool mums take part in global breastfeeding event

Around 10 mums came along to Stranton Children’s Centre in Hartlepool on Saturday to join with other mothers from across the world to breastfeed in an effort to celebrate and promote breastfeeding.

The event took place around the globe on August 5 and 6 at 10.30am, with volunteers in each community putting on their own local event to show support.

Breastfeeding peer support volunteer Rosie Sweeney, 27, was delighted with the turn out, which saw mums from the weekly breastfeeding support group held at the centre each Wednesday come along.

The mum of three said: “We run a drop-in breastfeeding support group called ‘Latch On’ every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11am at the centre where mums can drop in and receive support or information.

“On Saturday ten mums came along to take part in the event and some brought their family along for support.

“The event was held as part of the global ‘Latch On’ event. We held one back in 2014, but now we are hoping to make it an annual thing as it is a really nice opportunity to get mums together and celebrate breastfeeding and have them feel part of something bigger.”

Mrs Sweeney said she was delighted with the turn out on the day after statistics show that in Hartlepool a low percentage of mums breastfeed after the six to eight week period.

She said she feels that mums may feel anxious about breastfeeding, feeling that it is not ‘socially acceptable,’ as it is now not a common thing to do in the borough. She said she hopes events like this may break any potential stigma and encourage more mums.

She added: “I think it has become against the grain for mums to breastfeed in Hartlepool, so it is nice that events like this celebrate mums who choose to pursue breastfeeding.”