NHS BORDERS are supporting Scottish Breastfeeding Awareness Week this week.

The aim of the week is to celebrate the work being done to support, promote and protect breastfeeding, as well as raising awareness of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme.

The latest figures show that 78% of babies in the Borders are breastfed for at least some time after their birth, which is well above the Scottish average of 65%.

We recognise that breastfeeding when out and about can be intimidating for some mothers, but the Scottish Wide Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme aims to ensure that mothers can breastfeed their babies in comfort and without interruption.

As part of the scheme, participating businesses and public places such as cafes, libraries and health centres display a window sticker to let mothers know that they are welcome to breastfeed there.

Here are some tips from Parent Club Scotland for mothers who are breastfeeding:

Join a breastfeeding support group – local groups are a great way to meet and chat with other mums who are going through the same things you are.

Speak to an infant feeding advisor - your midwife or health visitor will be able to provide advice and support and let you know if there are any specialist advisors and clinics in your area if you need extra help.

Contact a helpline - The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers non-judgmental breastfeeding information, support and reassurance. Call 0300 100 0212.

Juliet Fraser, Health Improvement Specialist for Maternal and Infant Nutrition/Children and Young People at NHS Borders, said: “Scottish Breastfeeding Week is the perfect time to raise awareness of the benefits breastfeeding has for both baby and mother’s health. Breast milk helps to protect children from a vast range of illnesses and breastfeeding helps to protect mothers from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and heart disease.

“Here at NHS Borders, we aim to provide a service that is supportive and nurturing while also informing families about all aspects of infant feeding and close and loving relationships. This enables families to recognise the incredible value of breastfeeding, not only for themselves, but also for the environment and society.”