PREGNANT and breastfeeding mothers are invited to a Christmas celebration where their families can enjoy festive activities.

Mothers who have recently stopped breastfeeding are also encouraged to join the Festive Feed, which runs from 1.30pm to 3.30pm tomorrow (Friday, December 13) in Durham County Council’s County Hall, Durham City.

Families will be able to enjoy festive storytelling sessions, hosted by the council’s library service, and Christmas carols with the Voices of Darlington choir.

Staff from breastfeeding friendly companies and the Growing Healthy County Durham infant feeding team, who work with the council to provide breastfeeding support services in County Durham, will be at the event to answer mothers’ questions and offer advice.

The team will also bust some breastfeeding myths and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, including building strong emotional bonds, protecting babies from infections and diseases and lowering mothers’ risk of some cancers and health conditions.

Tammy Smith, public health advanced practitioner with the council, said: “We’re inviting new and expectant mums, and breastfeeding mums with children of any age, to join us for an afternoon of Christmas fun.

“A range of breastfeeding friendly companies will also be joining us, to offer advice and information about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has some fantastic health benefits and is also generally cheaper than formula feeding, so can have a positive impact on mothers’ finances too.

“We want to make sure that all expectant and new mothers have the support they need to make an informed decision on feeding their baby and would encourage people to come along to find out more and share in the Christmas fun.”