OKEHAMPTON and Hatherleigh children’s centres are to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a free event in Okehampton today (Thursday).

The event will be held at The Ockment Centre from 1pm to 3pm and will include a picnic and games.

Barnardo’s project worker Jenny Almond said: ‘Last year’s event was very popular and attracted dozens of parents from across the area.

‘Every week we see new mums attending one of our local breastfeeding support groups so we know there’s a huge demand for more information.

‘It’s all very informal — tea and biscuits and a friendly chat.

‘Mums tell us they feel more relaxed and knowledgeable about breastfeeding, and they feel motivated to carry on.

‘They also find it’s a good way to meet new people and make new friends.’

The Barnardo’s children’s centre in Hatherleigh offers a ‘Bumps to Babies’ breastfeeding group every Wednesday from 10.30am to noon.

A similar session is available at Okehampton Parish Church Hall on the same day from 10am to 11am.

Both projects also provide a wide range of other activities including parenting programmes, baby massage, play sessions, help with speech and language, and signposting to health services, adult education and employment.

The teams will also be at the Okehampton Show on Thursday, August 13.