NATIONAL Breast-Feeding Awareness Week is being supported by a number of mums from Sleaford who are planning to set up their own group.

Eleven mums meet on a weekly basis to undergo NHS and La Leche League breast-feeding training with the aim of setting up a mentorship programme in Sleaford for expectant and new mums in September.

A spokesman for NHS, which provides the training, said: "The aim of the group is to help mums-to-be and new mums get the best for them and their babies from the amazing breast feeding experience.

The group will be able to offer additional one-to-one support and the opportunity to join other mums and dads at the proposed Sleaford based breast-feeding group.

"The Breaststart groups are open and friendly with a relaxed atmosphere and await new and expecting mums who want to chat, swap stories and experiences or just get some extra information on breast-feeding."

Currently, support is offered through a few local breast feeding groups, from a midwife, health visitor and through helplines such as the National Breastfeeding helpline 0300 1000212.

The spokesman added: "With the additional resource of the breast feeding peer mentors and the proposed new Sleaford group we hope that even more mums will feel empowered and confident to continue breast feeding. The group also has a creche."

Sleaford will be the 27th such group across the county initiated by Lincolnshire Community Health Services, with Cranwell Breaststart group being the closest to Sleaford at present.

If the group goes ahead, it will meet at Sleaford Children's Centre where the existing group of mums currently meet.