A group of mothers has been recognised for training to help more local women breastfeed.

The 13 women, who have spent the last three months learning how to help, support and advise mothers on breastfeeding, graduated at a special event held at Craigsfarm in Livingston.

As trained volunteer breastfeeding peer support workers, the women will be available for one-to-one support at breastfeeding support groups, in the new families' homes and by telephone.

Ruth McMaster, one of the new breastfeeding volunteer peer support workers, said: "I am really looking forward to providing practical help and support to other mums, when they need it most.

"Research has shown that a lot of mums who do choose to breastfeed often give up within the first few days, but we are hoping that we can support them through any problems."

Theresa Douglas, chair of West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, said: "In West Lothian, currently a quarter of mothers breastfeed. Our target is to have a third breastfeeding by 2011. The work the mothers and the businesses do will not only help us deliver our target, but it will also help support many future generations of mothers."

Info via the Edinburgh Evening News website - 18th December 2008