A refreshed campaign is looking to increase breastfeeding rates on the island.
Currently, 48.6% of babies on the Isle of Man are exclusively breastfed at six to eight weeks.
The Sustaining Breastfeeding Together initiative aims to raise this to 70% by building on existing support and making it easier for families to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.
Ross Keat, Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “From a public health perspective, we’re very aware that breastfeeding is a personal choice, and not everybody is able to breastfeed.
“Whilst we’re promoting it, we want to build a culture that normalises, supports, and protects everyone’s breastfeeding choices.”
Help
Lauren Eppleston from the Infant Feeding Team emphasised the need for education: “Quite often, mums struggle to breastfeed because they don’t know the basics or lack practical skills.
“Our team provides antenatal classes, postnatal support, and home visits to help mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey.”
Cafes
Part of this will see relaxed cafe sessions around the island which will allow new and expecting mothers an informal chance to learn from professionals and support each other.
They are on at The George in Castletown this Friday at 3pm, Jurby Health Centre on Monday August 11 at 10am, Davisons Ice Cream Parlour in Peel on Monday August 18 at 10am and Noa’s Market Hall in Douglas on Friday August 29 at 10am.
As part of the refreshed campaign, businesses are encouraged to join the “Welcome Breastfeeding Here” scheme by displaying a blue sticker, while employers are urged to provide suitable spaces and flexible working conditions.
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