Vital help for mums

Breastfeeding café open to mothers and babies at Oxgangs Library

A new breastfeeding café at Oxgangs library has opened its doors to mothers and babies.

The café was officially opened at the end of September by Michelle McCoy, NHS Lothian’s lead for breastfeeding, at an event for mothers and their babies and community health care staff.

The weekly café, on Wednesdays between 1.30pm and 2.30pm in the Fraser Room, provides a relaxed atmosphere for women to breastfeed their babies, increase their self-confidence and knowledge in breastfeeding and offer social opportunities to encourage them to continue breastfeeding.

Carol Marr, team leader at Oxgangs Library, said: “We hope this café will make the community library a hub where new mums and mums-to-be can get advice and support on starting and maintaining breastfeeding.”

Vivien Hutchison, health visitor, NHS Lothian said: “We know that there is often a lot of pressure on new mums to breastfeed and the first few months can be a difficult time.

“It’s really important that women are not afraid to ask for support to help make breastfeeding work for them.”

The café is run in partnership between NHS Lothian and the Council to promote health services in well-known community settings.