The Be a Star campaign is dedicated to increasing the number of young mums in Lancashire who choose to breastfeed. We hope to do this by showcasing the beauty, confidence and pride that comes with breastfeeding, as well as providing breastfeeding information and support and highlighting the unique health benefits that it brings to both baby and mum.

We have created this blog to provide breastfeeding advice and information and to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved in our growing community of breastfeeding mums - to take part in topical discussions, share tips and support other mums with your advice and experience.

If there are any topics you would like to see covered on the blog, or if you require information that you can’t find here, please click here to email us your thoughts/ suggestions.

You can also access information in the main section of the blog and locate your nearest children’s centre local support section.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date as new information appears on this site, please subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking the icon above or following this link

We are keen to hear from you, not just your experiences of breastfeeding (click here to post your experience), but your comments on the campaign and blog, so please do log in and get posting.

If you know any other mums or expectant mums who need breastfeeding advice and support, forward on our details and let’s work together to help more mums choose to breastfeed. Equally, if you know any mum whose family or partner are struggling with the idea of them breastfeeding, ask them to log on for breastfeeding advice and support that is relevant to them.

For LOCAL breastfeeding help

  Contact your Midwife or Health Visitor

  Go to one of the breastfeeding groups listed below

  Call the Helpline 08442 090 920

Breastfeeding groups
Breastfeeding Support Group, Carnforth Health Centre,
Market Street, Carnforth, LA6 9JU
Tel: 01524 732259
Mondays 10.30am – 11.30am

Breastfeeding and Baby Massage Group
Milton St Community Centre, Fleetwood, FY7 6QW
Tel: 01253 770682
Tuesdays 12 midday – 2pm

Garstang Breastfeeding Centre
Rural Wyre Children’s Centre, Kepple Lane, Garstang, PR3 1PB
Tel: 01995 603454
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Mum 2 mum breastfeeding group
Lune Park Children’s Centre, Ryelands Park, Owen Road
Lancaster, LA1 2LN
Tel: 01524 382818
Tuesdays 10am - 12 midday

Garstang Breastfeeding Centre
Rural Wyre Children’s Centre, Kepple Lane, Garstang, PR3 1PB
Tel: 01995 606736
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Bosom Buddies
Poulton Children’s Centre, The Old Fire Station, Clark Street, Morecambe, LA4 5HR
Tel: 01524 833644
Wednesdays 11am – 1pm

Wyre Breastfeeding Centre
Thornton Children’s Centre, Heys Street, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 4JP
Tel: 01253 821128
Wednesdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Breastfeeding Support Group
Parent Education, Women’s Unit, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RP
Tel: 01524 583863
Thursdays 11am – 1pm

Fylde Breastfeeding Centre
Pear Tree Children’s Centre, 29 Station Road, Kirkham, PR24 2HA
Tel: 01772 687629
Thursdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

National Breastfeeding Helpline
08442 090 920
Calls are answered locally by trained mothers

Children Centres

All Children Centres in North Lancashire have the Baby Friendly Certificate of Commitment for supporting breastfeeding and offer lots of friendly info on a wide range of topics.

Appletree SureStart Children’s Centre
Milking Stile Lane, Lancaster, LA1 5QB
Tel: 01524 64132

Carnforth SureStart Children’s Centre
Kellet Road, Carnforth, LA5 9LS
Tel: 01524 732424

Firbank Surestart Children’s Centre
Firbank Road, Lancaster, LA1 3HL
Tel: 01524 845319

Heysham Surestart Children’s Centre
Middleton Way, Douglas Park, LA3 2LL
Tel: 01524 853114

Fleetwood Surestart Children’s Centre
Kemp Street, FY7 6JX
Tel: 01253 770682

Thornton Surestart
Children’s Centre, Heys Street, FY5 5HY
 Tel: 01253 821128

Rural Wyre Surestart Children’s Centre
Kepple Lane, Garstang, PR3 1PB
Tel: 01995 606736

Westgate Surestart Children’s Centre
Langridge Way, Morecambe, LA4 4XF
Tel: 01524 832747

Pear Tree Surestart Children Centre
Station Road, Kirkham, PR4 2HA
Tel: 01772 687629

Oak Tree Surestart Children’s Centre,
Sydney Street, St Anne’s, FY8 1TR
Tel: 01253 781571

Poulton Surestart Children’s Centre
Clark Street, Morecambe, LA4 5HR
Tel: 01524 833644

Lune Park Sure Start Children’s Centre
Ryelands Park, Lancaster, LA1 2LN
Tel: 01524 382818

The Orchard Surestart Children’s Centre
Strike Lane Primary school, Freckleton, PR4 1HR
Tel: 01772 632724

West View Surestart Children’s Centre
c/o The Anchorage family support centre, Rothwell drive, Fleetwood, FY7 8FF
Tel: 01253 876532

Balmoral Surestart Children’s Centre
Sandylands School, Balmoral road, Morecambe, LA3 1EJ
Tel: 01524 410286

For LOCAL breastfeeding help

  Contact your Midwife or Health Visitor

  Go to one of the breastfeeding groups

  Call the Helpline 08442 090 9 20

Breastfeeding groups

Breastfeeding and Baby Massage Group
Milton St Community Centre, Fleetwood, FY7 6QW
Tel: 01253 770682
Tuesdays 12 midday – 2pm

Garstang Breastfeeding Centre
Rural Wyre Children’s Centre, Kepple Lane, Garstang, PR3 1PB
Tel: 01995 603454
2nd and 4th Tuesdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Breast Put Forward
Sure Start Clifton Children’s Centre, Langdale Road, Mereside, Blackpool, FY4 4RR
Tel: 01253 839739
Tuesdays 1.30pm – 3pm

Breastfeeder’s Brunch
St Cuthbert’s and Palatine Children’s Centre, Lightwood Avenue,
Blackpool, FY4 2AU
Tel: 01253 313201
Wednesdays 11am – 12.30pm

Simply the Breast
Sure Start Talbot and Brunswick Children’s Centre, Gorton Street, Blackpool, FY1 3JW
Tel: 01253 651190
Wednesdays 11.45am – 1pm

Wyre Breastfeeding Centre
Thornton Children’s Centre, Heys Street, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 4JP
Tel: 01253 821128
Wednesdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Breast Friends Antenatal info
Baines Children’s Centre, Penrose Avenue, Blackpool, FY4 4DJ
Tel: 01253 699085
Thursdays 9am – 10am

Baby Time
Baines Children’s Centre, Penrose Avenue, Blackpool, FY4 4DJ
Tel: 01253 699085
Thursdays 10am – 12 midday

Fylde Breastfeeding Centre
Pear Tree Children’s Centre, 29 Station Road, Kirkham,
PR24 2HA
Tel: 01772 687629
Thursdays 12 midday – 1.30pm

Baby Stars
Whitegate Drive Family Centre, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool,
FY3 9HF
Tel: 01253 476900
Fridays 10am – 12 noon

Breastfeeding Helpline
National Breastfeeding Helpline
Tel: 0844 20 909 20
Calls are answered locally by trained mothers

Blackpool Mothers’ Milk Depot
To find out more about donating milk to the Blackpool Milk Depot, phone or text 07923 467695 and speak to one of the Breastfeeding Network coordinators. The milk goes to Wirral Mother’s Milk Bank and is used for sick babies throughout the Northwest.  Every drop counts!

Children Centres
All Children Centres in Blackpool have the Baby Friendly Certificate of Commitment for supporting breastfeeding and offer lots of friendly information and support on a wide range of topics.

Baines Children’s Centre
Penrose Avenue
Tel: 01253 699085
Tel: 01253 699085

Beacon Hill Children’s Centre
Warbreck Hill, FY2 0TS
Tel: 01253 355493

Claremont Children’s Centre
Westminster Road, FY1 2QE
Tel: 01253 621703

Clifton Sure Start Children’s Centre
Langdale Road, FY4 4RR
Tel: 01253 694446

Kincraig Children’s Centre
Kincraig Road, FY2 0HN
Tel: 01253 354059

Revoe Children’s Centre
Grasmere Road
Tel: 01253 798016
Tel: 01253 798016

St Cuthbert’s / Palatine Children’s Centre
Lightwood Avenue, FY2 0AJ
Tel: 01253 313201

Sure Start Grange Park Children’s Centre
31 Dingle Avenue, FY3 7NX
Tel: 01253 476480

Sure Start Talbot and Brunswick Children’s Centre
Gorton Street, FY1 3JW
Tel: 01253 651190

Thames Children’s Centre
Thames Road, FY4 1ED
Tel: 01253 361981

Highfield Children’s Centre
Tel: 01253 839739

Layton Children’s Centre
Tel: 01253 476480

SAMANTHA MANICKUM, 22 FROM FLEETWOOD AND MUM TO DYLAN

Samantha lives in Fleetwood, with baby Dylan 6 ½ weeks. Before she had Dylan she worked full time in a betting office and will be returning part-time when her maternity leave finishes.
In her spare time she likes to play rock music on her electric guitar, though she doesn’t think she’s good enough to be in a band! She also draws and paints, surrealistic and abstract portraits, and loves visiting art galleries and museums.
She had a great time doing the shoot and couldn’t wait to see which shot would be used for the campaign!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
I’d read a lot of info about breastfeeding that my midwife and sure start had given me and I knew that breastfeeding was best for the baby, but then when Dylan arrived 7 weeks early I decided I was definitely going to breastfeed him because being born so early he really needed it.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Initially my mum was worried that it would be hard for me, that it would mean getting up in the night, and that maybe Dylan wouldn’t take to it, as none of us had been breastfed. But she is really, really pleased now and very proud of us! So is my dad!
None of my friends have breastfed for more than a few days – and one reason was partners wanting to be able to do some of the feeds. Neil and I talked about it and he said if that’s what I wanted to do he would be right behind me. He loves to have his own time with Dylan, like bathing him, when he gets to bond with him

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Just learn what you can, and talk to others.
Don’t give up because you’re finding it hard – ask for help if you need it.
It took me about a week until Dylan started feeding from me. He had to learn how to suck because he was born so early. He started off fed by tube, and then by cup. I expressed to get my milk coming, and even got up in the night because I knew that it would bring my milk in quickly. I didn’t get a lot of milk at first – but every drop counts, and I knew it was helping Dylan. Once he started breastfeeding he took to it beautifully and we were home from hospital just a couple of days later.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
You’ve got to follow your heart – or you might end up regretting it. Listen to others, and then make your own decision.

CLARE, 20 FROM MORECAMBE AND MUM TO BRADEN

Clare lives in Morecambe, North Lancashire with Braden aged 7 months.
Clare had been working in a supermarket till she was 8months pregnant with her first baby, and she has no wish to go back! When the boys are both in nursery she plans to return to work, but she’d like to go to college and get a qualification or training so she can have a career that she will love, rather than just a job to bring in money: She fancies doing something in Interior Design if possible.
She has 2 little kids so doesn’t have much spare time at the moment, but when she gets the chance she loves to catch up with her sister and all the gossip!!
She had a great time at the photo shoot and was surprised by how well the photos came out - she just didn’t think she could look like that!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
Well, it’s convenient, it’s good for baby, helped me get my figure back quickly – there are lots of health benefits for both of us. To be honest I didn’t ‘choose to breastfeed my eldest son, in fact I planned to bottle feed him and I’d bought all the bottles and the steriliser too, but after he was born the midwife in hospital brought him over to me and asked if I’d like to try feeding him myself, and we just went from there: once I’d got going with breastfeeding I realised how easy it was, and that’s when I realised all the good things about breastfeeding! With my second son there was no other way I would have chosen to feed but breastfeeding, for me it was the natural choice.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everybody was really supportive – and I have to say that helps a lot.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Not to expect too much from yourself especially in the beginning, just take it day by day. It’s important that Mums don’t get upset if it isn’t going well, but instead ask for help, and give it time.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I find it hard to answer that question as I really haven’t had that experience. If it doesn’t bother the Mum, why should it bother anyone else? If the problem is that other members of the family want to join in with feeding baby then Mum can always express her milk, it’s not that hard to do, then they can get involved.
I don’t understand why people would be negative about a mother’s choice of how she wants to feed her baby - I mean I would have automatically thought of bottles with babies before I had my first baby, but breastfeeding’s natural, isn’t it? What other creature gives another creature’s milk to their young?!!

VANESSA WALKER, 18 FROM BLACKPOOL AND MUM TO HARVEY

Vanessa lives in Layton, Blackpool with 2-1/2 week-old Harvey. Before she had her baby she was modelling full time, until she was 3 months pregnant, then she started a job in admin just to bring in some money until the baby came. Vanessa plans to go back to modelling, but maybe not as soon as she had planned when she was pregnant, as she’s enjoying spending time with Harvey!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy swimming, and shopping naturally: I love clothes!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
Of course I was encouraged to breastfeed by the midwives I met when I was pregnant, but my sister breastfed her daughter who is now 2 and a half, and she is breastfeeding her new son who is 2 days younger than Harvey, so it just seemed like the right thing to do to me!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Fantastic - everyone was pleased and supportive.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Push through those first 2-3 days and it gets so much better, once your milks starts to come through. Get help with any issues before they become problems, don’t be afraid to ask for help, no one expects you to know what you’re doing!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
With your baby, you should do what you think is best. Breastfeeding CAN be extremely easy, and suits you no matter what you’re doing. I find it very easy to get out and about with Harvey because I haven’t got to cart so much stuff round with me as I would if I was bottle feeding.

NIA RUTTER, 22 FROM BLACKPOOL AND MUM TO MARCIA

Nia lives in Blackpool with her girls Marcia and Gracie. Before she had her babies, she was at college doing a diploma in Sport. She wanted to be a Physiotherapist, but her main ambition now is being a good Mum! When she’s not looking after her girls she relishes having ‘quality time’ to herself and enjoys athletics and training, even competing in the triple jump.
Nia doesn’t usually like having her picture taken, but she said she really enjoyed being made over and doing the photo shoot. She said apart from the days her girls were born, this was one of the best days of her life!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is just something I always thought I would do: in my family, it’s just how you feed a baby!
My girls’ father has asthma and eczema and I knew it would help protect them against that, but I never realised before how super breastfeeding is. I’m so proud of the great start I have given my girls, and my involvement in the be a star campaign.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone was really supportive actually, but to be honest I wouldn’t have taken notice of anyone who had been negative!
My friends and family had seen the ‘Be A Star’ webpage and they think it’s fab that I’m involved - they were all really shocked at how tasteful it all is!

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Keep going after the first few days, which can be tough - especially with your first when you’re worried about doing it wrong. And make sure you have the right support and advice to help.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Ignore them and do what you think is best for your baby!

If you come across any news items that we haven’t covered here, just let us know by posting on this page.

Blackpool Gazette, 22nd May 2008

Yummy Mummy’s breastfeeding campaign…click here to read more…

Kudos Magazine, 1st May 2008

Don’t bottle it…click here to read more…

Lamaze, 19th April 2008

Be a star…click here to read more…

Raising Kids, 14th April 2008

Young mums targeted with campaign…click here to read more…

The Guardian, Society, 8th April 2008

Breastfeeding gets image overhaul…click here to read more…

Newslite, April 2008

Breastfeeding moms become stars…click here to read more…

Babble, April 2008

Making breastfeeding cool…click here to read more…

How-Do Magazine, 25th March 2008

Breastfeeding young mums the stars in new campaign…click here to read more

Burnley Citizen, 14th March 2008

TWO East Lancashire mums are appearing in a county-wide campaign to promote breastfeeding… click here to read more…

This is Lancashire, 2nd March 2008

Young mum fronts breast-feeding campaign… click here to read more…

Lancashire Evening Post, 3rd March 2008

Laura’s a breastfeeding star… click here to read more…

Preston Citizen, 2nd March 2008

Young mum fronts breastfeeding campaign… click here to read more…

Bolton Evening News, 17th March 2008

Young mums declare ‘breast is best’...click here to read more…

You may notice packets of tablets say “don’t take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding”. This doesn’t always mean they are unsafe, just that the manufacturers do not have to say that they are safe.

If you are concerned call the BfN “Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline and talk to people who know about breastfeeding and the safety of medicines 0844 412 4665. You might need to leave a message on an answerphone but you will be called back. You can also find information at the website breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugline-information-and-factsheets.html

ALCOHOL
You can drink alcohol whilst you are breastfeeding even though it passes into breastmilk.
If you have a lot to drink in one evening (binge drink) you need to be careful not to fall asleep with your baby either in bed with you or on a chair or settee.

Ideally don’t feed for 2- 3 hours after drinking to make sure your baby receives less alcohol through your milk.
If you pass out or vomit from to much alcohol don’t breastfeed until the following morning.
Having one or two drinks occasionally will not harm your baby.
For your own health you shouldn’t have more than 14 units per week
Alcohol-and-breastfeeding.pdf

SMOKING
Smoking is bad for your health.
Smoking near your baby is harmful.
Nicotine passes into your breastmilk and may give your baby colic or reduce your suppply
But it is still worth breastfeeding even if you continue to smoke.
If you want to give up now you can use nicotine replacement products such as gum and patches as your baby will get less nicotine that way.
Why not take this chance to be healthy for both of you?
smoking-and-breastfeeding.pdf

MEDICINES WHICH YOU CAN TAKE WHILST BREASTFEEDING
Pain killers e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen
Antibiotics e.g. penicillin
Hayfever medicines e.g. clarityn, zirtek
Medicines to help with depression e.g. prozac
Cough medicines which don’t make you sleepy
Asthma inhalers
Vitamins at normal doses

CONTRACEPTION
Whilst you are breastfeeding you can use:
Barrier methods of contraceptives e.g. durex
The mini pill
Depo Provera injection
The morning after pill

MEDICINES WHICH YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE WHILST BREASTFEEDING
Aspirin
Cold tablets e.g. sudafed
Sleeping tablets without more advice
Any medicines without checking with your doctor or pharmacist

STREET DRUGS
If you use any type of street drug e.g. marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, or think your drink may have been spiked, please call the drugs in breastmilk helpline to discuss whether you can breastfeed or how long you need to stop for.

Information is confidential.

We are most concerned with keeping your baby safe

- You can have your teeth filled if you need to

- You can have local anaesthetics

- You can have injections e.g. against MMR, tetanus

- You would be able to have small operations

- You can have your hair coloured, permed or straightened

- You can have spray tans

- You can have false nails fitted

- You can take antacids

- You can take medicines to treat diarrhoea and vomiting – continuing to breastfeed will
protect your baby against the infection

- You can use ointments for piles

- You can treat other children and yourself for headlice

- You can apply moisture creams

- If someone tells you, you can’t continue to breastfeed if you have to take a medicine or have mastitis ask for help. It may not be true or there may be a safer alternative

Remember: Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby
©Wendy Jones BfN Pharmacist March 2008

You can listen to them by clicking on the files below.

Radio Ad 1

Be a star on the radio version 1

Radio Ad 2

beastar_mix2.mp3