Health chiefs in Wolverhampton are taking to social media during World Breastfeeding Week - beginning today (Tuesday 1 August, 2017) - to drum up support for breastfeeding mums.

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Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Health Team and the Infant Feeding Team at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are encouraging Wulfrunians to go online and become Wolverhampton Breastfeeding Friends - #WolvesBFF.

To take part in the campaign, people are asked to post messages of support online using the #WolvesBFF and #WBW2017 hashtags.

The campaign is part of the work that the council's Public Health and Early Years teams are undertaking with the Infant Feeding Team to normalise breastfeeding in Wolverhampton.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are calling on all residents, community groups and even businesses to get involved and make a public display of support for breastfeeding.

"Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop illnesses such as gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections.

"They are also less likely to be obese or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease, and so I would encourage everyone to show their support for this campaign."

Wolverhampton is also marketing World Breastfeeding Week by holding a free event for new parents and mothers-to-be at Low Hill Strengthening Families Hub, Fourth Avenue, from 9.30am to 11.30am on Thursday (3 August).

Visitors will be able to find out more about feeding their baby as well as other issues including reflexology, slings, hypnobirthing, baby massage and baby yoga at the event.

Members of the Public Health Team, the Infant Feeding Team, Health Visitors and the council's the Healthy Lifestyles Team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance, while families will be able to meet other parents, share experiences and learn new skills. Refreshments will be available, along with activities to keep babies and toddlers occupied.

  •  released: Tuesday 1 August, 2017