MUMS and mums-to-be have been getting advice on breastfeeding as part of an awareness campaign.

Information has been distributed across north Essex as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

Midwives from Colchester General Hospital have been out in the town all week and they have also launched a breastfeeding support line.

Sue Coltman, infant feeding co-ordinator at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Breastmilk 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 mothers’ chances of getting certain diseases later in life.

“Breastfeeding also allows mothers and babies to get closer, physically and emotionally. So while the child is growing, the bond between mother and child can grow stronger.

“Bottle feeding does not provide babies with the same nutrients as breastmilk, which is designed to be easy for babies to absorb and is perfect to help them grow and develop. Also, bottle feeding doesn’t provide protection against infection and diseases.”

Volunteers from the Best Beginnings baby group were also at the maternity unit at the Fryatt Hospital, Dovercourt, meeting up to 30 pregnant women.

Melanie Shepherd, a trained breastfeeding support volunteer, said: “We have spoken to lots of pregnant women about breastfeeding and informed them about our weekly baby group where we also breastfeed.

“Support is available for help and advice.”

The group hopes to work closely with mums in the future by coming into the hospital’s maternity unit.

It runs sessions every Wednesday between 10am and noon at St Nicholas’s Church hall, Stour Road, Harwich.

The group also has help lines - 07957 460126 and 07957 460139.

More information on the group can be obtained by calling 01255 887900.

The Colchester breastfeeding support line can be reached by calling 01206 363006.