29 July 2009
For one week only, St Helier Hospital will be home to a prestigious art exhibition about breastfeeding.
The Get Britain Breastfeeding exhibition went on display in the Retreat restaurant to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and will be up for all to see until July 30th.
Infant Feeding Advisor for the Trust, Sue Taylor said: "We want to engage with the parents of tomorrow, and get them talking and thinking about breastfeeding. As soon as we started putting the exhibition up, it began to attract lots of attention so we know that it's going to get people talking.
"Not only does it look fantastic, but we hope that having the exhibition in the hospital restaurant will challenge people's perceptions of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world and we want mothers to feel comfortable giving their child the best possible start in life.
"Breastfeeding is brilliant for both mother and child. Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases. It also reduces the mothers' chances of getting certain diseases later in life, including both ovarian and breast cancer."
Research shows that a breast fed baby is five times less likely to end up in hospital with gastroenteritis and is protected, in later life, against obesity, diabetes and some cancers.
For more information about breastfeeding, women can speak to their midwife, health visitor or GP. Alternatively, the National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 1000 212 offers support and advice from trained volunteers.
To find out more about the exhibition visit www.getbritainbreastfeeding.org.uk
