More women are breastfeeding in Havering now than this time last year, following a campaign by Havering Council and the local NHS.

The latest figures show that 41 per cent of mums are breastfeeding at six to eight weeks.

This is compared to 34 per cent this time last year, when the campaign had only been running for a couple of months.

A council spokesman said: “A range of factors have contributed to this improvement, including the support given to new mums by midwives, health visitors and GPs. “Peer support services have also helped, where mums put their own experience to good use by helping others, as have breastfeeding cafes at Havering children’s centres, where mums can go to share experiences as well get help and advice on breastfeeding.”

Work to improve the quality and consistency of the recording of information on breastfeeding by healthcare professionals is ongoing to ensure the most accurate data.

The council’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, which provides a safe and welcoming place for women to breastfeed in public, has nearly 100 venues signed up.

These include Taste Caf�, Romford; Kidspace Play Centre, Romford; Pips Smoothies, Upminster; and the new myplace centre in Harold Hill.

For more information visit www.havering.gov.uk/breastfeeding or www.facebook.com/haveringbreastfeeding.