MOTHERS across York have been invited to a support group with a difference - a "baby caf".

Volunteers have been trained to run the weekly drop-in centre to provide support for new mums and their babies.

Treasure Chest Haxby and District Breastfeeding Group set up the weekly caf thanks to a grant of £3,000 to complement the work of health professionals

Carol Carter, chairwoman of Treasure Chest, said: "We are all very excited about this new venture. We have just received our funding cheque, and the money will allow us to run a course in our area to train mums to help others with breastfeeding.

"We call them peer supporters, and I was trained earlier this year and have been helping local mums with their breastfeeding, alongside the health professionals, for the last six months."

Medical evidence shows breast feeding has important advantages for both baby and mother and health chiefs want to persuade more women to do it, and for longer.

Breast feeding even for just the first month greatly improves a baby's health in the first 14 months of its life.

But doctors advise mothers to carry on at least until the child is six months old to improve its immune system and ability to fight disease. Breast feeding also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and cancer of the ovary for the mother.

Belinda Phillips, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: "Any amount of breastfeeding is a reason to feel proud.

"This is especially important for the nine out of 10 women who stop breastfeeding before they want to, generally because of a lack of good information or support."

But now the York peer supporters will be able to visit new mums in hospital and their homes.

Ms Carter said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this grant to help make a difference in the Year of the Volunteer.

"The grant will be of enormous value to new mothers and their babies in the area.

"We hope the scheme will also encourage other people to set up community volunteering initiatives."

Branwen Farbrother, one of the professional health visitors and Haxby and Wigginton Health Centre, said: "All the evidence shows that women are much more likely to succeed in breastfeeding if they have family or friends around them who are breastfeeding.

"Quite a lot of women just don't have that kind of support, and the idea of using volunteers is meant to fill that gap. Mothers who have successfully breastfed themselves can offer one-to-one friendships and support, while the health visitors and midwives can offer practical advice."

The peer supporter volunteers are being trained by breastfeeding experts, paid for by a £3,625 grant from Volunteering England.

The Treasure Chest Baby Caf is held every Friday in the Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Centre, in Oakham Grove, between 1.15pm and 3pm.

For more information about attending the group phone Branwen on 01904 724685 or visit www.treasurechest.org.uk

Infant feeding factfile

Official advice

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all mothers be encouraged to breastfeed.

Research has shown that breastfed babies are more protected against diabetes, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, asthma, allergies, obesity and chest and ear infections.

The sucking technique required also encourages the development of teeth and speech organs.

There is even some evidence that breastfed babies will go on to score higher on IQ tests.

Mothers also benefit - breastfeeding releases hormones known to help relaxation, and cause nurturing feelings towards the baby. It also helps mothers return to their previous weight, as the fat accumulated during pregnancy is used in milk production.

The WHO's own breastfeeding policy, laid down in 2002, states: "A vast majority of mothers can and should breastfeed, just as vast majority of infants can and should be breastfed."

Public acceptance

A SURVEY for the Department of Health found that most people - 84 per cent - find breastfeeding in public acceptable as long as it is done discreetly.

But the same survey also found two thirds of mothers were worried about general opinion being against breast feeding in public.

In Scotland, preventing breastfeeding in a legally-permitted public place is an offence, carrying a £2,500 fine.

Supportive aids

Breast feeding needs no equipment, but you might like to think about some of the following:

Nursing bras improve access and give comfort and support

Breastpads absorb leaks in the early days/weeks, although folded hankies can do the job.

Updated: 10:46 Friday, October 28, 2005