Breast feeding provides the best possible start to life for babies, however within Motherwell the breast feeding rates are lower than the national average. Data and evidence details those living in areas of deprivation are less likely to choose this method to feed their babies. Within Motherwell there are multiple areas of deprivation, which contributes to higher health inequalities being experienced.
Breast feeding Motherwell locality teams have worked creatively to ensure families have the information, knowledge and skills required to breast feed. Using our community based assets we have explored ways to provide this information in an innovative, accessible manner that brings together local groups that traditionally would not have the opportunity to meet and work together.
Motherwell Health Improvement Team visited Motherwell Library (January 2025) knitting group to explore working together to develop an intergenerational project around breast feeding and knitting. A pattern was given to the knitters and the project began. By March, the group had created 29 knitted breasts, these have been given to midwives, Health Visitors, family support worker, community mums and the breastfeeding group as visual aids to enable conversations and support.
