MOTHERS staged a mass feed to draw attention to the benefits of breast milk.
About 20 mothers took part in the event, the culmination of National Breast Feeding Week, in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington, yesterday.
"We have had a great week," said midwife and breastfeeding co-ordinator Frances Arrowsmith.
"We have had lots of interest. The aim of the mass feed is to promote the fact you can do it in public discreetly. You don't have to be locked in your house like many young mothers believe. You can feed wherever you go."
About 1,300 babies a year are born in Darlington and just over half the mothers will try breastfeeding. But after two weeks, the figure drops to 44 per cent.
Health officials in the town have been working to promote breastfeeding in a campaign supported by Darlington Primary Care Trust.
Information has been made available to promote the benefits and dispel the myths, not just among the public but also medical staff.
A staff competition produced the winning slogan of "Mother's milk is like no udder", which will be printed on T-shirts for next year's campaign.
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