MUMS are being encouraged to feed their babies naturally as National Breastfeeding Celebration Week starts today.

Halton Council is promoting its breastfeeding friendly scheme.

The council’s infant feeding support team, in partnership with Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, provides support and advice to mums and mums-to-be.

Public places across Halton have signed up to the scheme to encourage mums to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Carole Brazier, infant feeding coordinator in Halton, said: “Generally people are very welcoming and our mums feel comfortable feeding out and about in Halton.

“Shops, supermarkets, cafes, and even GPs and the Walk in Centre and pharmacy have signed up to our breastfeeding friendly scheme.”

There are more than 100 places on the list already.

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: "Breastfeeding week is a great opportunity for our teams to showcase the fantastic work they do with local mums every year to help them give their babies the best start in life.

“They helped over 1,000 new mums last year with breastfeeding support.

“We know that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for babies, but many women find it difficult or don’t know where to turn for advice so the work our Infant Feeding Team do is invaluable.

“The breastfeeding friendly scheme is a great addition to the service and I’d encourage more local businesses to sign up and make Halton breastfeeding friendly.”

For more information about the support the infant feeding team can offer,call 0300 029 0029.

Alternatively mums can speak to their midwife, health visitor or GP.

Any venues wishing to become accredited to join the breastfeeding scheme can call the team on 0300 029 0029.