MUMS and mums-to-be in South Gloucestershire are being urged to give breastfeeding a go.

As part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, several special events have been organised to encourage mums to make that special connection with their baby and perhaps, help protect it from illness.

This year the South Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Network is particularly aiming its campaign at young mothers and those who are least likely to breastfeed, by dispelling the many myths and highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

Posters will follow mothers from their first scan to two weeks after the birth, to try and get pregnant mums thinking about feeding options much earlier. At each stage the key benefits of breastfeeding are stated.

They are said to be that mums may experience weight loss and reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding could also help the womb return to normal faster.

For the baby, breastfeeding provides nutrition for the first six months,

protects against stomach bugs and chest infections and reduces the likelihood of becoming obese in later childhood.

Despite the benefits, only 42 percent of mothers in the UK are still breastfeeding after six weeks and 21 percent at six months.

Displays will be on show at various libraries, leisure centres and health centres around South Gloucestershire where leaflets, postcards, stickers, key rings and pens will be available free to all.