Tyneside charity highlight ‘lifelong’ health benefits of breastfeeding and bust new baby myths
Newcastle-based charity Healthworks believes supporting mums to successfully breastfeed can have a “lifelong impact” on the region’s health
Healthworks offers breastfeeding support in Newcastle(Image: Healthworks)
A Tyneside charity is highlighting the “lifelong” health impact of breastfeeding as part of a range of work to support new mums across the city with breastfeeding of new infants. The idea is that support and advice during the common “challenges” families face can change lives.
Healthworks, a charity which is based in Newcastle and works across the region, runs a programme of events and groups to support parents. During May, at Newcastle City Library, the team held a “big latch on” celebration, as part of a global initiative to support breastfeeding.
This saw as many new mums have their tots “latch on” and breastfeed at the same time – and is part of wider efforts to normalise this and ensure it is not something hidden away. Now the team is holding a “mythbusting” event called New Borns, New Norms which aims to break down some of the things new parents may be concerned about.
Jennifer Fowler of Healthworks – a health promotion practitioner – said: “The New Borns New Norms event is an antenatal education session with a bit of a twist. We don’t just invite the expectant parents- we encourage their close family and friends to come along too!
“Instead of focusing on the practical side of having a baby, we look at understanding early infant behaviour and how to build a strong, loving bond with your baby right from the start. It’s about helping parents and families understand why babies do what they do — so they can feel more confident, connected, and supported in those early days.
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“The session itself is really friendly and interactive — we want everyone to feel welcome, to share their thoughts and experiences, and to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. There’ll be refreshments too, so it’s a lovely chance to learn, chat, and connect with others in the same stage of life.”
As for the importance of breastfeeding, she added: “We know from the work of our Healthworks Patron, Prof. Michael Marmot and from public health research that giving children the best start in life has a lifelong impact on health, wellbeing, and opportunity.
“Newcastle has amazing families and professionals working together to improve outcomes for children, and breastfeeding is one part of that wider picture of reducing inequalities in our city.
“Many parents want to breastfeed but can face challenges early on. Successful breastfeeding is much more likely when families receive encouragement, skilled support, and understanding from their community- that’s why community events and peer support matter so much.”
She explained that breastfeeding brought with it health protections – such as from infections and a range of illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, obesity, childhood cancers and sudden infant death for the baby. It is also understood to protect a mum from some cancers and heart disease – while also supporting mental health.
The New Borns, New Norms event is at 1 Strawberry Lane on Wednesday June 3 from 6pm to 7.30pm. Newcastle families can find out more visit here.
The broader Healthworks Best Start team supports families with a range of breastfeeding support, including peer support, across Newcastle. Their team work with midwives and health visitors and can be contacted on 07826531575, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
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