Campaign hopes to normalise breastfeeding in city

Chloe HughesWest Midlands
News imageCity of Wolverhampton Council One woman leaning in towards a child and smiling. The child is being held by another woman with brown hair and a green jumper. Ona white wall in front of them are pictures of women breastfeeding in publicCity of Wolverhampton Council
The campaign was launched in the city's art gallery

A campaign has been launched in Wolverhampton that aims to promote and normalise breastfeeding across the city.

Wolverhampton Welcomes Breastfeeding features photographs of local mothers breastfeeding their children in different locations around the city, that are on display in the Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

It has been delivered by the City of Wolverhampton Council alongside the city's Best Start Family Hubs and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

"By showcasing real families and real stories, we aim to break down barriers and create a culture where breastfeeding is celebrated," said councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community.

"Breastfeeding provides essential health benefits for both mother and baby, but we know that around eight in 10 women stop breastfeeding earlier than they would like."

News imageCity of Wolverhampton Council A woman with short chestnut brown hair and glasses is holding a baby and pointing at pictures on a white wall. the pictures are of women breastfeeding in public placesCity of Wolverhampton Council
It hopes to empower women who are breastfeeding

"Thanks to the support provided to local mothers and families, breastfeeding rates in Wolverhampton are steadily increasing – now we want to work with our communities to encourage them to continue to support women to feel confident to breast feed for as long as they want to," she said.

"Wolverhampton Welcomes Breastfeeding sends a clear message: our city is a place where breastfeeding is supported, and where families are able to give their children the best start in life.

"We are now asking residents, businesses, and community organisations to celebrate and share this campaign, and help us show that Wolverhampton truly welcomes breastfeeding."

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