Glastonbury Abbey has become the first local landmark to receive a 'Positive About Breastfeeding' award to mark the recent National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (20-26th June 2018).

Somerset County Council presented the certificate as part of their 'Positive about Breastfeeding' scheme to Glastonbury Abbey for recognition of their support of mothers' rights to breastfeed in public.

The 'Positive About Breastfeeding' programme is a quality mark awarded to public places who welcome breastfeeding families.

Janet Bell, Director of Glastonbury Abbey, said:   "We work hard to provide a good experience for all visitors including families, and we were really pleased to have been put forward by a family for this award.

"We run a toddler group every Tuesday morning during the summer months and also special quiet tours for those who have autism or who have relatives with the condition as well as a range of other activities – full details can be found on our website http://www.glastonburyabbey.com."

Somerset aims to increase the number of women who breastfeed, and support those who already do to feed for a longer length of time. Latest figures show only half of all Somerset mums are still breastfeeding their baby six to eight weeks after birth.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "I am delighted that such a public commitment to supporting breastfeeding mums has been made.  We know the importance of breastfeeding in promoting good health for both mum and for baby.

"We want Somerset to be a leading Positive About Breastfeeding county where families are supported to make the natural choice in infant feeding. As part of this, we also want parents to feel welcomed and supported to breastfeed when out and about in Somerset."

Breastfeeding provides a baby with all they need for healthy growth and development in the first six months and beyond.  Breastmilk constantly adapts to meet a baby's daily needs and protects babies against a number of infections.  Breastfeeding also helps mums by reducing the risk of breast cancer, diabetes and ovarian cancer.

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council said:  "If you would like to find out more about becoming a Volunteer Breastfeeding Champion and offer mother-to-mother support, or nominate a Positive About Breastfeeding place or venue for an award we would love to hear from you!"

Email:  [email protected] and say 'tell me more' or visit our new website http://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/breastfeeding and http://www.facebook.com/breastfeeding and we will come back to you.

Find out how your organisation can become registered as Positive About Breastfeeding and be promoted on our new website at http://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/breastfeeding and http://www.facebook.com/Somersetbreastfeeding

ENDS

For further information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email [email protected]

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