STAFF at a hospitals trust have become 'breastfeeding champions'.

Starting this month, Katy Beck, Donna Butler, Lucy Coulson, Elizabeth Devey, Sue Henry, Dr Ruth Smith and Matron Tracy Thompson will take up the role.

They will use their knowledge, training and experience to encourage East Lancashire Hospitals Trust mums – including new recruits - to breastfeed their newborns for at least six months or longer if they wish.

They want to offer as much guidance and support as possible so mothers feel empowered to continue breastfeeding.

Sue Henry, baby friendly team manager at the trust, said: “As a mother, grandmother and a trained breastfeeding supporter I know how important breastfeeding is to those who want to do it.

"There are huge health benefits to both baby and mum, and also the trust, from an initiative that is essentially free to do.”

Each staff breastfeeding champion has received specialist training in breastfeeding support and will now share this knowledge with their colleagues working in the trust's five hospitals and community health facilities across East Lancashire.

Nine in every 10 UK women who stop breastfeeding in the first few weeks give up before they want to.