By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 11:36, Monday, 12 May 2008

MIDWIFE Liz Stanwell spends her working life surrounded by babies and knows what a difference breastfeeding can make to their health.

Meet the experts: Mums meet at Morton Manor in Carlisle to discuss the advantages of breastfeeding

Five months ago the Upperby mother gave birth to her first child, Nina, and was determined to give her the best start in life. But she admits that breastfeeding wasn’t all plain sailing.

As Breastfeeding Awareness Week gets underway today, Liz wants to encourage mums to persevere for the good of themselves and their newborn babies.

“It’s a bit of a skill to learn but once it clicks the benefits are enormous,” she said. “It’s such a natural thing to do. It’s better for Nina’s health and for me and it’s also so much easier. You don’t have to sterilise bottles or prepare anything, when she’s hungry you can just feed her.

“It does get easier so persevere – and there is plenty of help available.”

Support available in Carlisle and across Cumbria has improved dramatically.

Infant feeding co-ordinator Helen Ferris has set up help sessions where mums can get together for a chat and discuss feeding. Many of the mums who have received help have gone on to become peer support workers.

One of those is Fay Scott, 28, of Longsowerby, who struggled to breastfeed her first child Emily, now three, and admits she would have given up if it wasn’t for the help she received from Helen. She wants to help other parents.

“To be honest I had a complete lack of confidence in myself,” she explained.

“She wasn’t attaching properly but I didn’t know why so I gave up. That was when Helen came along.

“I was really upset. It sounds silly but I felt as though I’d failed. Helen helped me try again and I never looked back.”

When second child Charlotte was born five months ago, Fay worried she may have similar problems. But it has been exactly the opposite. Fay is breastfeeding and helping others.

To help spread the word a group of local mums will be in Debenhams in Carlisle until 1pm today handing out information leaflets and offering advice.

They will also be visiting local cafes, asking owners to display a Breastfeeding Friendly sign.

n There are three weekly support sessions in Carlisle: Fridays, 1pm to 2.30pm, Morton Manor; Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm, Petteril Bank School Sure Start Centre; Thursdays, 2pm to 3.30pm, Belah Community Centre. Details from Helen on 07879 632018.

PMcGowan@cngroup.co.uk