The UK has one of the lowest breast-feeding rates in Europe. 72 - 75% of mothers breastfeed for the first four months but this then drops to 25 - 26% by six months. The most common cause for not breastfeeding is because mothers believe that society frowns upon it. Three quarters of British mothers who stopped breastfeeding in the first six months (and 90% who stopped in the first two weeks) say they would have liked to have continued for longer but social pressures, lack of support and society's attitude to breastfeeding, discouraged them.

Since 1993, the National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW) has been run annually by the Department of Health as a key event for promoting breastfeeding. The main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding. Women should be able to recognise their right to breastfeed at any time in any place. Friends, family and healthcare professionals should be willing to provide support for breastfeeding.

This year, National Breastfeeding Awareness Week takes place 10-16 May 2009 and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health together with the Department of Health are already developing materials to help healthcare professionals use the new charts, which are based on measurements of approximately 8,500 breastfed children worldwide. The new growth charts will also include an adult height predictor and a chart specifically to monitor weight of premature infants

In addition to the new growth charts, the Department of Health is extending Breast Buddy, an initiative introduced last year which supports mums to breastfeed for longer by encouraging them to nominate a buddy from within their circle of friends and family, who will provide practical and emotional support while breastfeeding.

The theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year is Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby. If mums receive help and support - whether it be from a friend or family member, a healthcare professional, or volunteer breastfeeding supporter, they are likely to breastfeed for longer, giving them and their child important health benefits. For more information contact www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk.

One woman keen to promote breastfeeding is the founder of Baby Babette, Arabella Sargent, a GP and a mum who developed her product whilst breastfeeding her own child. The Babette covers you and your baby over with a wide enough neck so that you can see your baby and your baby can see you. Lined with easy-clean muslin, the Babette helps mothers feel more comfortable when feeding in public. Prices from £11.50 each.

For more information visit www.babybabette.co.uk