MORE mothers are breastfeeding their babies in Brighton and Hove than anywhere else in the country.

New figures from Public Health England reveal 57 per cent of six to eight-week old babies are being breastfed without any other supplements compared to a national average of just under 30 per cent.

It is the second year running the city has had the highest rates in the country.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, who provides the city’s breastfeeding support service, works with Brighton and Hove City Council to support new mums.

Breastfeeding co-ordinator Clare Jones said, “Breast milk is the normal nutrition for babies and is a great foundation for the mum and baby relationship – every day of breastfeeding makes a difference.

“We are delighted to see that city rates are best for breastfeeding in England for the second consecutive year.

“These statistics are a reflection of the dedication and collaborative working of all involved in supporting mums to breastfeed their babies across the city.

“Our health visitors, children’s centre staff, nursery nurses, early years educators and peer supporters offer a wide range of support to mums who want to start and continue breastfeeding their babies.”

Chairman of the Brighton and Hove health and wellbeing board, which brings together experts from the city council and the NHS, Daniel Yates, said: “Our message is quite simple.

“Breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both babies and mothers.

“We do all we can to offer mothers the support they need to breastfeed their babies wherever possible.”

Support available for mothers in the city include breastfeeding drop-in sessions which offer help and information.

There is also a breastfeeding peer support volunteer programme which recruits and trains volunteers to provide mother to mother breastfeeding advice.

The volunteers work on the postnatal ward and in several community groups.

Specialist breastfeeding support workers are also available for parents in parts of the city and the Brighton Breastfeeding Initiative is a network of health professionals and voluntary groups and organisations who are working to promote breastfeeding and help women in the city.