Maternity staff at Sandwell West Birmingham Hospital marked World Breastfeeding Week 2026 by raising awareness of the support available to parents and families, while championing the many benefits of breastfeeding.
The team welcomed expectant parents and families to learn more about breastfeeding. Visitors had the opportunity to speak with specialist staff, ask questions, get trusted advice and discover the range of support available before and after birth.
Kirsty Hall, Infant Feeding Coordinator said: “Breastfeeding helps reduce health inequalities by giving every baby the best possible start in life. It also removes the financial burden of buying infant formula, which can be especially important during times of financial hardship.
“Breastfeeding helps protect babies from common illnesses, including gastroenteritis, chest infections, and ear infections.”
The team provided practical information on topics including the benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, responsive feeding, expressing milk and where to get ongoing support in the community.
World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global campaign that highlights the importance of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding, while recognising the positive impact it can have on the health and wellbeing of babies and parents.
Emma Raine, Health Visitor and Infant Feeding Coordinator said: “Breastfeeding is the biological norm for babies, with healthy term babies born ready to feed, and it is a skill for both mother and baby to learn together. Skilled feeding support is available for all mothers, this is both local and national, it can be face to face, over the phone or video call. Please speak to your midwife and your health visitor.”
The Trust remains committed to providing high-quality infant feeding support, helping families make informed decisions and ensuring parents have access to the guidance they need throughout their maternity journey.
Babies who are breastfed have lower rates of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections than babies who are not breastfed. Breastfeeding also provides health benefits for mothers and can reduce NHS costs through fewer infant hospital admissions.