Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council marked the end of the first year of its highly successful breastfeeding campaign, “Get Blaenau Gwent Breastfeeding”, with its first inaugural Breastfeeding Christmas Celebration on Monday, 2nd December 2024, at the General Offices in Ebbw Vale.
The event saw over 80 mothers and their babies come together to celebrate the achievements of those who had breastfed their babies in 2024 – whether for just an initial feed or as part of a longer breastfeeding journey. Attendees enjoyed a festive celebration buffet, tea, coffee, playtime, photographs, and even a visit from Santa. All mothers were presented with certificates and a special breastfeeding award pin to commemorate their personal breastfeeding milestones.
A mother in attendance says:
“This event is so lovely, It’s nice to come together every so often, have a chat with other mothers, and enjoy a hot coffee. It makes such a difference to have this support.”
The Breastfeeding Christmas Celebration highlighted the significant progress made in Blaenau Gwent's breastfeeding rates in 2024. Since the launch of the “Get Blaenau Gwent Breastfeeding” campaign, breastfeeding rates have risen from 40% in January 2024 to a record-breaking 60% in August 2024. This is a major achievement for an area that has historically had some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the UK, and potentially in Europe.
Ceri Bird, Service Manager for Children’s Services says:
“The increase in breastfeeding rates is a direct result of our Councils commitment, in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) and celebrity breastfeeding champion Ferne McCann, to provide more awareness, information, and support for new parents.
“Through the campaign and its action plan, the Council has worked to ensure that parents have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about feeding their babies. We want all our parents to feel supported and listened too.”
Councillor Helen Cunningham Deputy Leader and a breastfeeding mother, says:
"Congratulations to all the women involved in increasing breastfeeding rates in Blaenau Gwent. I had my baby in February and as a breastfeeding mum myself, I know how important it is to have the right support in place, whether it's to get started, do it for a few weeks, a few months or longer. Bringing mothers and their babies together like this is a perfect way to celebrate."
In 2024, Blaenau Gwent Council set out to improve breastfeeding outcomes, aiming to ensure that every baby born in Blaenau Gwent has the best possible start in life. The campaign has empowered both mothers and fathers to make confident, well-informed decisions regarding infant feeding, providing them with the support needed to overcome challenges and succeed in their breastfeeding journey.
Blaenau Gwent Council is proud to see these positive results and remains committed to further improving breastfeeding support and resources across the area in the coming years.
For further information please contact the Family Information Services – 01495 369610 or alternatively email: FIS@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk