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UPDATE: This equipment was delivered in 2009.

Whiston Hospital's Maternity Unit, situated in St Helens, Merseyside, serves two of the most deprived areas in England. The hospital employs an Infant Feeding Co-ordinator to promote breastfeeding to mothers across St Helens and Knowsley. Knowsley Primary Care Trust has the lowest breast feeding rate in the country, and St Helens PCT has the second lowest. There is a link between social deprivation and low rates of breast feeding.

Breastfeeding is known to improve long-term health and immunity of the newborn, as well as helping the bonding process and improving the health of the mother. It is particularly important in pre-term and sick babies, whose chances of survival are improved by breastfeeding.

The breastfeeding drop in clinic runs on a weekly basis, and provides help, advice and support to women who might be experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding their babies.  We have been asked to improve the equipment available at the clinic. We hope to provide two electric breast pumps to help mothers express milk to maintain milk flow if their baby is sick or unable to feed. They would also like 50 manual breast pumps to allow mothers to express at home. This encourages milk production and gives mothers greater flexibility if they are working or caring for other children.

We would also like to provide toys and activities for older siblings so that the clinic is a calm, fun place to be both for babies, children and mothers. In total this equipment will cost £4,553.89.