Be a Star breastfeeding adverts

The Be a Star campaign aims to promote the benefits of breastfeeding to young mums throughout Lancashire, their friends, partners and families. Following various focus group sessions, the campaign was devised incorporating images of breastfeeding mums (yes, they are breastfeeding in the pictures, even in 5 inch heels!) styled as the stars of today as identifiable by young mums - super models, actresses, singers, pop idols, celebrities.

The copy in the ads is written from the point of view of the key influencers in our young mum’s lives - their parents, their partners, their friends and, of course, their baby. The campaign has included posters displayed in doctors surgeries, hospitals, libraries, surestart centres (to name but a few), leaflets containing breastfeeding tips and local support numbers, the blog (but you knew that already we guess!), local radio campaign and outdoor advertising in key areas throughout Lancashire.

We have uploaded the adverts here….as always, we’d appreciate your thoughts, so post away!

Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge the posters.

HOLLY UNSWORTH, 17 FROM BOLTON AND MUM TO LEWIS

Holly lives in Bolton with her partner Lee and her baby Lewis. Before having Lewis, Holly was studying History, Psychology and Dance at College. Her college has been incredibly supportive and Holly returned to her studies when Lewis was 6 months old. In her spare time she loves seeing her family and friends. Most of all Holly enjoys spending time with her family going swimming, walking, shopping and visiting other family members that she doesn’t get chance to see that often.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I chose to breastfeed as it is the most natural thing to do with your baby. I was breastfed by my mum so to me I simply see it as the norm. I could not think of a better way to bond and be close to your baby, it is so amazing the way they look at you with their big eyes, I wouldnt swap it for the world!!!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
All my friends, family and my partner were so supportive, they all said the decision was up to me, but I think if I had chosen to bottle feed they would have had something to say. They all think that I’ve done so well to breastfeed this long and are very proud as most young girls would chose to bottle feed.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Simple…there is no other way to bond with your child like breast feeding, it gives you a completely different relationship between mother and baby which is amazing. It is also SO SO easy! All you need is a nappy and you can go out because you are all they need. If you stay out longer than you planned you don’t have to worry about running out of milk either!!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Really all it boils down to is the mother’s decision. I know partners and mothers are involved but if a mother wants to breast feed she should breast feed. Who cares about other people’s opinions, you are giving your baby the best possible start in life and I think that is the most honourable thing you can do with your baby. As long as the mother is comfortable with it that is all that matters.

SKELMERSDALE

St. John’s Children’s Centre and Extended School
St John’s Catholic Primary School, Flamstead, Birch Green, Skelmersdale WN8 6PF
Tel: 01695 559867

Park Children’s Centre
Barnes Road, Skelmersdale WN8 8HN
Tel: 01695 554535

First Steps Children’s Centre
First Steps Tanhouse, Sure Start Children’s Centre, Eavesdale, Tanhouse, Skelmersdale WN8 6BA
Tel: 01695 724873

WEST LANCASHIRE HEALTH VISITORS

Ashurst Health Centre
Tel: 01695 732457

Aughton Surgery
Tel: 01695 424608

Birleywood Health Centre, Digmoor
Tel: 01695 724301

Burscough Health Centre
Tel: 01704 892555

Hall Green Clinic, Skelmersdale
Tel: 01695 622781

Hants Lane Clinic, Ormskirk
Tel: 01695 573526

Hillside Health Centre, Skelmersdale
Tel: 01695 725116

Sandy Lane Health Centre, Skelmersdale
Tel: 01695 727186

Tarleton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 814911

ORMSKIRK

Ormskirk Moorgate Children’s Centre
Moorgate, Ormskirk, L39 4LY
Tel: 01695 573470

The Grove Youth & Community Centre
Station Approach, Burscough, Ormskirk, L40 0HZ

Burscough Health Centre in Burscough
Lord Street, Burscough, Ormskirk
Tel: 01704 892555

LEYLAND

Wade Hall Children’s Centre
75 Royal Avenue, Leyland PR25 1BX
Tel: 01772 624389

PRESTON

Kingsfold Children’s Centre
Kingsfold Primary School, Martinfield Road, Penwortham PR1 9HJ
Tel: 01772 743531

Riverbank Children’s Centre
Brieryfield Road, Preston PR1 8SR
Tel: 01772 906970

Preston East Children’s Centre
Watling Street Road, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 6TU
Tel: 01772 790810

Sunshine Children’s Centre
184 New Hall Lane, Preston PR1 4DX
Tel: 01772 663130

Sure Start Preston West
Children’s Centre, Ashton Primary School Site, Ainsdale Drive, Ashton, Preston PR2 1TU
Tel: 01772 727032

Sure Start Ribbleton
Children’s Centre, Ribbleton Hall Drive, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 6EE
Tel: 01772 655789

Stoneygate Children’s Centre
Stoneygate Walk, Preston PR1 3XU
Tel: 01772 257865

PRESTON HEALTH VISITORS

Ashton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401905

Avenham Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401905

Brookfield Clinic
Tel: 01772 401801

Fulwood Clinic
Tel: 01772 401305

Geoffrey St Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401704

Ingol Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401500

Longridge Community Hospital
Tel: 01772 781100

Ribbleton Clinic
Tel: 01772 401386

Saul St Clinic
Tel: 01772 401182

EAST LANCASHIRE

Sure Start
Family Tree Centre, Tunstill Square, Brierfield BB9 5GZ
Tel: 01282 648001

Chai Centre
Hurtley St, Burnley BB10 1BY
Tel: 01282 657395

Burnley Wood Children’s Centre
33 Brunswick Street, Burnley BB11 3NX
Tel: 01282 452714

Sure Start South West
21 Tay Street, Burnley BB11 4BU
Tel: 01282 832249

Whitegate Children’s Centre
Victoria Road, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8TG
Tel: 01282 772283

Fairfield Children’s Centre
Fairfield Street, Accrington BB5 0LD
Tel: 01254 231589

Sure Start Hyndburn
The Park Child and Family Centre, Norfolk Grove, Church, Accrington BB5 4RY
Tel: 01254 387757

Walton Lane Children’s Centre
Walton Lane, Nelson BB9 8BP
Tel: 01282 613437

Colne Children’s Centre
Units 2 & 3, Linden Business Centre, Colne BB8 9BA
Tel: 01282 859001

Beacon Children’s Centre
Maurice Street, Nelson BB9 7S
Tel: 01282 606333

Ribblesdale Children’s Centre
Queens Road, Clitheroe BB7 1EL
Tel: 01200 423672

Staghills Children’s Centre
Top Barn Lane, Newchurch, Rossendale BB4 7UE
Tel: 01706 213303

The Maden Community and Children’s Centre
Rochdale Road, Bacup OL13 9NZ
Tel: 01706 871740

Haslingden Community Link Children’s Centre
Bury Road, Haslingden BB4 5PG
Tel: 01706 230116

CHORLEY

Highfield Nursery School and Early Years Centre
Wright Street, Chorley PR6 0SL
Tel: 01257 262441

Clayton Brook Children’s Centre
Great Greens Lane, Clayton Brook, Bamber Bridge, Chorley PR5 8HL
Tel: 01772 3101501

CHORLEY & S RIBBLE HEALTH VISITORS

Adlington Clinic
Tel: 01772 6444670

Bamber Bridge Clinic
Tel: 01772 6444684

Chorley Health Centre
Tel: 01772 6444723

Clayton Brook Clinic
Tel: 01772 644730

Coppull Clinic, Chorley
Tel: 01772 644746

Eccleston Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644746

Euxton Medical Centre
Tel: 01772 644778

Kingsfold Medical Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 748632

St Filan’s Medical Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 740991

St Mary’s Health Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 644135

Longton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644789

Riverside Medical Centre, Walton le Dale
Tel: 01772 881517

Ryan Medical Centre, Bamber Bridge
Tel: 01772 620470

Sandy Lane Surgery, Leyland
Tel: 01772 458155

Yewlands Drive Clinic, Leyland
Tel: 01772 644115

Withnell Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644160

BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN

Accrington Road Children’s Centre
Accrington Road Children’s Centre, Accrington Road,Blackburn BB1 2AF
Tel: 01254 265130

Audley and Queen’s Park Children’s Centre
Pringle Street, Blackburn BB1 1SF
Tel: 01254 507750

Darwen Children’s Centre
Chapel site, Winterton Road, Darwen BB3 0ER
Tel: 01254 701535

Darwen Children’s Centre
Lord Street, Darwen BB3 0HD
Tel: 01254 778900

Earcroft Children’s Centre
Monton Road, Darwen BB3 0AF
Tel: 01254 870900

Hancock Street Children’s Centre
Hancock Street, Blackburn BB2 2LZ
Tel: 01254 666230

Highercroft Children’s Centre
Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn BB2 3UY
Tel: 01254 267920

John Smethurst Children’s Centre
St James Road, Blackburn BB1 8ES
Tel: 01254 698350

Little Harwood Children’s Centre
Robinson Street, Blackburn BB1 1PE
Tel: 01254 506910

Livesey Children’s and All Age Centre
Andrew Close, Blackburn BB2 4NU
Tel: 01254 507950

Longshaw Nursery School and Children’s Centre
Crosby Road, Blackburn BB2 3NF
Tel: 01254 698832

Mill Hill Early Years Centre
Mill Hill Community Centre, New Chapel Street, Blackburn BB2 4DT
Tel: 01254 698832

Seven Trees Children’s Centre
Whalley Road, Blackburn BB1 6NZ
Tel: 01254 264922

Shadsworth Children’s Centre
Shadsworth Road, Blackburn BB1 2HR
Tel: 01254 680733

Wensley Fold Children’s Centre
Carnarvon Road, Blackburn BB2 6NL
Tel: 01254 272940

As a dad, you are very likely to want to get involved with the day to day care of your baby, but what if mum decides to breastfeed? What does it mean to you? The first few weeks with a new baby can be a roller coaster ride, and it is really helpful if mums get support from you and the family.

Why is breastfeeding important?

It has many advantages when compared with formula feeding. It is healthier for your baby and is:-

• Free
• Convenient
• Made especially for YOUR baby

Formula fed babies are also more likely to:-

• Get tummy upsets and diarrhoea
• Have problems with ear infections
• Have problems with chest infections
• Be at risk of getting allergies
• Greater chances of getting eczema

All these could result in your baby spending time in hospital when they should be at home with you and mum.

Can it keep mum healthier?

Breastfeeding can help to protect mums against certain cancers such as breast and certain cancers that affect the ovaries (the egg making sacs near the womb). Also, women that breastfeed have a greater chance of stronger bones as they get older. You don’t want them having to have a hip replacement do you? It also burns up 500 calories a day, getting rid of that baby weight! (Not that she isn’t lovely to you anyway!!)

Disadvantages of formula feeding

• Formula feeding involves making bottles up every time your baby is hungry, and it can be awful waiting for water to cool down whilst your baby is screaming his lungs out!
• Also, formula milk is not sterile once you open the lid, and can introduce bugs to your baby’s system, causing him to have sickness and diarrhoea. Babies can become really poorly with this.
• It is also really, really easy to make up the feeds wrong, even if you have read the label properly.
• Also, with breastfeeding, you do not have to decide which kind of milk you would need, breast milk is made different at every feed, made especially for your baby, night or day! Bottle fed babies need to be given water in hot weather as formula milk does not quench their thirst, but breast milk is a food and drink rolled into one!
• Sterilising is another problem, which method do you use? Which takes longest? Have the bottles been sterilised properly? Buying sterilising equipment just bumps up the cost of a new baby!
• Do you know that you can spend the equivalent of one whole year making bottles and this is just the night feeds! Half asleep, staggering downstairs, boiling the kettle, contending with a crying baby, or hand the baby to mum to feed herself, nappy change (by you if you can stay awake long enough!) baby back in the cot, and get some more shut eye before it happens again?
  
  

Concerns of dads

I will feel left out

You may feel jealous at first because you can’t physically feed your baby, but look at all the other things you can do instead. Why not take charge of bathing, nappy changing or having that last daddy cuddle before bedtime? It is important that your baby gets used to your face, sound and smell. Although it is best to wait until 6 months, you can really get involved when your baby is ready for solid food (click here to see information on introducing solids).

I want to share the feeding

If you get involved with your baby’s care, the feeding will seem less important.However, after about 6 weeks, when breastfeeding is easier for mum, she may want to express milk and then you can give the milk by cup or bottle. Giving a breastfeeding baby a bottle too early can cause problems as the baby may get confused about which way to suck (bottle fed and breast fed babies suck differently). Also, if the baby is given formula milk, this affects mum’s own milk supply and she may end up not making as much.

What about feeding in public, is it not easier to bottle feed in cafes?

Although some dads say they are against feeding in public, what they don’t realise is that they have probably walked past someone who is feeding, and just hadn’t noticed! Breastfeeding can be done discretely, and with the right support from you and other family members, mum will grow in confidence, and the more you see your partner breastfeed, the more comfortable you will be with it.Many places now advertise that breastfeeding is welcome, and all places such as children’s centres, libraries and health centres will support breastfeeding, and some may provide a private place if mum does not feel confident to feed in public.

What do I need to know about breastfeeding?

• A baby is happier if he is fed as soon as he shows signs of being hungry.
• Babies who are breastfed usually feed more often, usually every 2-3 hours. It may seem a lot, but this is because the milk is right for his tummy and is easily digested. Just think about how often you eat and drink during the day? Most people do not go 3 hours without at least a brew!
• The more a baby feeds the more milk mum makes. This is known as supply and demand!
• Mum and baby will enjoy feeding more if they are comfy and relaxed.
• Babies put on more weight if they are allowed to finish a whole feed on one breast before being offered the other one.
  
  

How can I help?

• Encourage mum, give her praise, breastfeeding is a learning experience for all involved.
• Be involved with your baby in other ways than feeding.
• Try and help with household chores so that she can sit and feed. Make her a cuppa if you can. This helps to make sure she is eating and drinking enough to keep her energy up.
• If you think there is a problem with breastfeeding, get help from a specialist (click here see local contact numbers for help and support)
• Encourage her to continue as long as she wants to, but support her if she decides to give up, it may be a very difficult decision to make.
  
  

If you’d like to share your thoughts and experiences of breastfeeding, please post your comments below…and thanks, without your support and understanding, it’s more difficult for women to choose to breastfeed and to stick with it.

Everyone’s experience of breastfeeding is unique. Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences of a woman’s life, but it can be demanding and, even the most experienced mum needs help and support.

So, please post your experiences here [Read more →]

Michelle Bromley, 23 from Colne and mum to Naomi

Michelle Bromley lives in Colne with Naomi her 4 month old daughter, George her 3 year old son and her boyfriend. Before Michelle had Naomi she worked as an evening carer. Michelle loves spending time with her children and enjoys doing craft, particularly scrap-booking.

Why did you choose to breastfeed?
Because it’s the most natural thing in the world.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed?
Everyone was pleased, proud and supportive.

What general advice would you give to those considering breastfeeding?
Persevere, it’s worth it!

What advice would you give to those who disapprove of breastfeeding?
Ignore them, they’re probably only jealous.