MOTHERS-to-be in East Lancashire are being reminded by medics believe that breast is best for their new arrivals.

New figures show that in Lancashire 70 per cent of mothers start their first feed with breast milk.

But this is said to drop to as low as 40 per cent, in some areas, by the time babies are six-weeks-old.

Now after the advent of World Breastfeeding Week, specialists at Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire clinical commissioning groups are stressing the advantages of natural feeding.

Kirsty Hamer, maternity services commissioning lead, said: "There are a few misconceptions when it comes to breastfeeding.

"It should not be painful or uncomfortable and it is impossible to over feed a breastfed baby.

"You'll be visited frequently by your midwife and health visitor in the early weeks to make sure your baby is growing well.

"The health visitor can also give advice on your feeding technique and help support you and your baby through your breastfeeding journey."

For help on breastfeeding, call 01254 772929 or the National Breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212.