NHS Bradford and Airedale is encouraging new mums across the district to breastfeed their babies for a healthier start in life.

The call comes during national Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs to Sunday.

The theme for this year, ‘every day counts’ which recognises the positive impact that breastfeeding has on both mother and baby. Breastfeeding can protect babies from heart disease, stomach upsets, urine and ear infections, eczema, childhood obesity and diabetes. It also protects women against breast and ovarian cancer as well as keeping their weight healthy.

Sam Britton, Baby Friendly lead for the local NHS, said: “We all have a role to play in informing pregnant women of the importance of breastfeeding and the influence it can have on their baby’s development now and in the future.”

Alongside the awareness campaign, the Bradford district is promoting a baby friends initiative which encourages local businesses to offer breastfeeding friendly facilities, making mums feel at ease.

Miss Britton added: “The Bradford district is progressing to put into practice standards the UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards.

“This award is given to facilities which have the best practice standards for breastfeeding and have passed a rigorous external assessment.”

Support for breastfeeding mums can be found through local breastfeeding groups, such as the one held at Bierley Children’s Centre.

It is a chance for mums to get together and support each other.

Support for mothers who want to breastfeed can be found through the national breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212. Lines are open 9.30am to 9.30pm.

To find out where the nearest local breastfeeding group is ask your midwife or health visitor.

For more information visit nhs.uk/start4life l A campaigning group of mothers showed their support for recent changes to the law with a celebratory breastfeeding event on Monday.

More than a dozen mums turned out at the Cow and Calf rocks to feed their children.

The group, Airedale Mums, were celebrating recent changes to the law which will make it illegal for anybody to ask a woman not to breastfeed her baby in public.