City's 'breast is best' message

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Commuters in Glasgow will be given the "breast is best" message during an awareness-raising project.

Health staff and mothers will be at Glasgow's Central Station to mark Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

Information display stands will be located on the station's main concourse on Wednesday.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff will be handing out leaflets and answering questions to highlight breastfeeding issues.

A similar information event is also taking place on the same day in Govanhill Health Centre and on Thursday in Clydebank Health Centre.

Linda Wolfson, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's infant feeding co-ordinator, said: "There is work to be done to inform parents, not just about the benefits of breastfeeding, but also how to make it a successful, positive experience.

Mothers are shown how to attach the baby correctly at the breast Linda WolfsonNHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

"A trial was carried out in Glasgow and Clyde. Health professionals encouraged breastfeeding and taught new mothers the skills they need.

"This led to a reduction in problems such as sore nipples as mothers are shown how to attach the baby correctly at the breast and a corresponding increase in breastfeeding rates.

"I'm working on a co-ordinated strategy to encourage more women to breastfeed to ensure that all mothers feel that they are receiving good quality information and support to make informed choices about feeding their babies, including when to introduce their child to solid food."

Research has showed that mothers who breastfeed can enjoy a lower risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Blood pressure

Medical research has also shown that breastfeeding has important health benefits for both mother and baby.

It protects the newborn infant from respiratory, ear and digestive infections and can also help protect against childhood diabetes and allergies.

These benefits persist into childhood, with breastfed children having a significantly reduced risk of obesity, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Breastfeeding also promotes brain development, mouth and jaw formation and straighter teeth.