Dr Lesley Mountford– Joint Director of Public Health NHS City and Hackney and London Borough of Hackney said “We want to make all women and their families feel comfortable and confident about breastfeeding their babies, whether they are at home or out and about…”.

“Breastfeeding is the healthiest way for babies to be fed and is good for mum’s health too. Until they reach six months of age, breast milk provides babies with all the nutrition that they need and can continue to be beneficial alongside solid food for much longer. Breast milk helps to protect babies from infections, diabetes, asthma, eczema and obesity later in life. Women who breastfeed their babies are less likely to develop ovarian and breast cancers and weak bones in later life and are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight”

To celebrate the launch of the policy, the “Get Britain Breastfeeding” exhibition will be on display at Linden Children’s Centre from Monday 8 to Friday 12 March. This free exhibition is open to the public and is aimed at promoting breastfeeding to the parents of tomorrow. It was established by NHS London and Best Beginnings (a charity set up in 2006 to give babies from all backgrounds the best possible start in life). It showcases imaginative and exciting work designed by art students from Central St Martin’s School of Art and Design.

If you are interested in attending the exhibition or would like more information about breastfeeding, please contact Kate Dantes, Breastfeeding Coordinator, NHS City and Hackney, email .