THERE has been a baby boom at one newborn centre for breastfeeding mothers.

The Baby Café drop-in centres for pregnant women, breastfeeding mums and their supporters are so successful that the Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust has opened one in Northwich to complement its existing group in Winsford.

Health visitor Marguerite Youngs, who is chairwoman of the breastfeeding committee, said the Baby Café at St Wilfrid's Church parish rooms on Witton Street is already proving a hit.

'We have 10 woman who attend at the moment, but new people come all the time,' she said.

'It is a relaxed group where woman socialise, have a brew and share information and advice. There are toys for children and we also run Baby Cafés in Winsford, Nantwich and Crewe.'

Despite the 'Breast is Best' campaign highlighting the fact that mother's milk is healthier than baby formula, a minority of mothers choose to breastfeed.

Marguerite said: 'Only 35% of mothers are breastfeeding their babies at six weeks old. Breastfeeding mothers are often isolated and discriminated against, either subtly or obviously both at home and in public. The Baby Café is a place where breastfeeding and the breastfeeding relationship, at whatever stage, is valued, respected and protected.'

The public portrayal of breastfeeding often implies that it is problematic, funny, embarrassing and middle class.

'Many mums lose their confidence after giving birth and fear reprisal if they breastfeed their babies in public,' said Marguerite.

She explained that some places understand this fear and provide separate areas for nursing mums.

'At the integrated care centre at Northwich Infirmary a separate room is provided. Boots the Chemist has facilities, as does the Early Learning Centre.'

At the Baby Café, breastfeeding is viewed as the natural way to nourish and nurture a child. Health visitors and midwives aim to increase breast-feeding rates by delivering support, encouragement and expert help.

'We can offer advise about all aspects of breast-feeding, said Marguerite.

'For example, we can talk to women about how to 'hand express' milk. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes, but it is a skill. Once a woman knows how to do it, it can bring a lot of relief from mastitis or help relieve fullness in the breasts.

'This knowledge is very empowering.' National guidelines say that babies should be breastfed exclusively for six months before moving on to solids. Then breast milk should be given with solids for a year or more.

Research has shown that breastfed babies have 15% fewer GP consultations than babies fed on artificial formula. The Northwich Baby Café is held every Thursday from 10am-noon, while the Winsford Baby Café is held every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at St Andrew's Methodist Church on