Running the Oxford Half for OBS

In the UK, 80% of parents Breastfeeding journeys end before they wanted them to, and only 1% of parents are still breastfeeding at 6 months. WHO, NICE and, NHS and DoH all recommend that any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, but exclusively breastfeeding your baby for 6 months offers a lot more protection long term.

Improving the UK’s breastfeeding rates would have a profoundly positive impact on child health. For example, increasing the number of babies who are breastfed could cut the incidence of common childhood illnesses such as ear, chest and gut infections and save the NHS up to £50 million each year.

Breastfeeding rates in comparable European countries, with similar population sizes and demographics, show that it is possible to increase rates with a supportive breastfeeding culture and the political will to do so. 

Especially in Oxfordshire, where cost of living is ridiculously high, and infant feeding initiation at birth is also quite high (around 80%), OBS provide an amazing service to support parents in their breastfeeding journeys. 

OBS aims to increase breastfeeding, provision of breastmilk and responsive feeding for babies in Oxfordshire by:

• Educating and empowering Oxfordshire families to define and achieve their feeding goals.
  
  
• Taking a lead role in developing an integrated network of breastfeeding support throughout Oxfordshire, so that all parents can access skilled, timely, local breastfeeding help.

I hope to raise £300 to help support OBS in its mission to support parents in Oxfordshire who wish to, and are able to, have a successful breastfeeding experience.❤