Seashells Children and Families’ Centre had a stall at Sheerness Market to promote breastfeeding.

As part of Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which was from May 11 to May 17, the centre set up the stall at the weekly market in Rose Street, Sheerness, on May 13.

Breastfeeding support workers from the centre were on hand to give advice and badges and leaflets were given out to promote breastfeeding.

There was also a display at the market to show some of the advantages of breastfeeding.

Joy Grice, health visitor and oral health promoter at Seashells, said: “It was very successful – we’re very happy about it.

“We gave out more than 200 badges. Mums need a lot of support. You don’t see mums out there doing it but it is important.

“Breastfeeding should be the first choice and it’s not just mums who need advice it’s dads as well.”

The centre also held a tea party on May 15 for breastfeeding mums to come and chat with others who are or have previously breast-fed their babies.

Lactation consultant, Sue Saunders, was at the tea party to give advice to mums.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week aims to encourage mothers to initiate and continue to breastfeed their baby.

It also focuses on encouraging women to access the support available to them while breastfeeding.

During the week, the Department of Health also launched a campaign targeting young mothers. The 'Breast Buddy’ initiative encourages young mothers to get emotional and practical support by nominating a buddy in their circle of family and friends.