Manual aimed at young mums designed to increase breastfeeding

An infant feeding manual aimed at mums-to-be aged 20 years and under, has been developed by Loughborough University.

The manual is currently being used in a pilot programme to help increase the number of young women breastfeed.

As well as reading a section of the manual each week for up to five weeks, there are also a series of short activities to complete.

One of the leaders of the scheme, Dr Gemma Witcomb says: “Exclusively breastfeeding for six months or more provides health benefits for both mother and child, but many young mothers are reluctant to breastfeed their baby.

“We want to encourage those who are physically able to initiate and sustain breastfeeding for as long as possible, and to urge them not to be deterred by perceived myths about breastfeeding or pressures from non-breastfeeding peers.”