Young mum fronts breast-feeding campaign

12:52pm Sunday 2nd March 2008

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A young mum from Preston is fronting a campaign to raise awareness of the many health benefits of breast-feeding and the support available.

Laura Taylor, 19, is one of five new mums-to-be chosen for the countywide campaign by the Central Lancashire Primary Care.

They have been transformed into models, actresses, singers and celebrities as part of the Be A Star campaign.

They will feature with their babies on posters, bus shelters, buses and in shopping centres across Lancashire.

Laura Taylor, who will star her daughter Emily, four months, said: "I found it difficult to breast-feed at first but now I feel so proud of myself that I didn't give up, together with the fact that I am now a role model for others.

"I do hope that new mums will see the benefits to themselves and their baby and just give it a go."

The be a star campaign started in the public health department of Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT) on a small scale in Preston with local Neighbourhood Renewal Funding.

This has now grown as Lancashire County Council's Early Years Service, Little Angels Community Interest Company, Blackburn with Darwen PCT, East Lancashire PCT and Bolton PCT have become partners.

Budgets have been pooled to maximise impact and increase the number of young mums who are proud to breast-feed.

Glenis Tansey, who is leading on the campaign for Central Lancashire, said: "The PCT is working with a wide range of partners in an effort to increase the uptake of breast-feeding amongst young women in Central Lancashire.

"Young, local mums have been involved in this exciting campaign which aims to raise the profile of breast-feeding and empower young women to breast-feed, while conveying the many health benefits for mother and baby."

Supporting the campaign is a 24 hour breast-feeding support line on 01254 772929 and a website by clicking the link below.