Public picnics to promote breastfeeding

Picnics are being organised by an NHS trust to promote breastfeeding in Hull and East Yorkshire.

The Big Breastfeed events at Bridlington Spa and Hull's Streetlife Museum are part of World Breastfeeding Week, which begins on 1 August.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said it wanted to highlight the local support available for families in the area and to encourage more parents to breastfeed their babies.

Experts claim breastfed children have a boosted immune system, less chance of developing several cancers, infections, and a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies.

Figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show only 46.2% of mothers in Hull continue to breastfeed their newborn babies after six to eight weeks, which is lower than the England average of 56.2%.

However, in East Yorkshire the figure is 55.9%.

The Bridlington Spa picnic is due to take place on 1 August between 10:00 and 12:00 BST, while the Hull event is to be held at the same time on 8 August.

The trust said the events are open to mothers, children, family and friends.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices.