THOUSANDS of mothers in Hampshire are set to gain greater support from health workers spearheading a major drive boosting breastfeeding awareness.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is launching a new health campaign offering extra support, education and empowerment for mothers wanting to breastfeed their newborns.

Beginning today, health visitors are urging families to meet them face-to-face at a series of county events aimed at new mums, kicking off with a support event from 1-4pm today in Hedge End Retail Park.

More than 14,500 babies are born in Hampshire each year and the trust is now boosting its Health Visiting Service to provide more encouragement and awareness during and after pregnancy.

The initiative comes as health professionals and families mark UNICEF National Breastfeeding Week.

This year’s theme is “everyone in local communities can support mothers to breastfeed, whenever and wherever they are”.

The trust was the first in the Ssouth Eeast to be accredited UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation.

Now its Hhealth Vvisiting Tteams will ramp up professional support already being provided for women and their families.

The journey begins during pregnancy with teams giving more advice on feeding options and the importance of parents building a close and loving relationship with their unborn baby.

Following the birth, parents will receive ongoing support during the first few essential weeks.

The trust’s health visitors are nurses or midwives with an extra training in public health nursing and breastfeeding support.

They will lead a series of county public open days spreading the word about how the scheme is boosting care already being provided and where families can meet other mums and learn how to feel more confident about breastfeeding when they are out and about.

Liz Taylor, associate director of nursing for children in the trust’s children’s and families division, said: “We have a team of highly skilled health visitors to support mothers with breastfeeding.

"We see about 14,500 babies born in Hampshire each year and are happy to work with everyone in the community to support the health and well-being of children and families in Hampshire.”

Cllr Patricia Stallard, Hampshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, said: “Breastfeeding gives babies the very best start in life and we are fortunate in Hampshire to have a highly skilled health visiting service who can offer expert advice and support to mums both at home, as well as at the many child health clinics taking place across the county.

"These celebration events are a great opportunity to find out more about the breastfeeding support available.”

Specialists will also be at All Seasons Children’s Centre in Pennington from 10.30am-noon on Friday, June 24 where there will be a tea party and cupcakes.