Staff took up the challenge of National Breastfeeding Awareness from May 14 to May 21 by holding morning advice sessions in the antenatal clinic.

The father's role in encouraging new mums to stick with breast feeding was stressed, as the health benefits of breast milk for the baby include protecting from ear, chest and intestinal infections and diabetes.

The hospital's breastfeeding working group co-ordinator, Alison Blenkinsop, said: "A woman's perception of the support given makes a big difference.

Breast feeding is terribly difficult to do if confidence is undermined. If fathers are involved and know the health benefits of breast feeding they are more likely to be successful. An awful lot of women give up in the first few days and weeks."

Anyone who wants to find out more about breast feeding call the National Childbirth Trust on 020 8992 8637.