Fight to keep breastfeeding service

A campaign to protect vital breastfeeding support in Canterbury is gathering pace with thousands more adding their weight to the fight.

A petition has reached almost 3,500 signatures and a rally was held outside County Hall in Maidstone yesterday (Wednesday) against plans by Kent County Council (KCC) to drastically reduce the number of locations women can access specialist help.

Today, families are gathering at Little Hands Children’s Centre in Canterbury from 11.30am to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, and tomorrow a Big Latch On event is being held in Dane John Gardens at 10am.

A dedicated Save Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay Breastfeeding Support Group now has more than 150 members, with MP Rosie Duffield among them. She has described KCC’S plans as “atrocious”.

Critics argue the proposals would leave mothers without the crucial support to help them continue breastfeeding. The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, despite the health benefits.

KCC insists it will still provide support via health visitors, with specialist help available through a referral system, rather than at open clinics with no appointment necessary, as is the case now.

Have your say at consultations.kent.gov.uk/ consult.ti/infantfeeding

Sign the petition at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ save-kent-s-breastfeedingservices

Picture: Chris Davey FM4864833 Campaigners fighting against the proposed changes to breastfeeding services gather outside the Little Hands Children’s Centre in Hollowmede, Canterbury