Mums are being encouraged to pick breastfeeding over the bottle for their newborns.

Hertfordshire County Council has come out in support of the Unicef baby friendly initiative which is promoting National Breastfeeding Week from June 20 - 26.

Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Teresa Heritage, said: “There is a great deal of support in Hertfordshire to provide new mums with the help they need to make the right choice for them and their baby.

“At what can be a vulnerable time, I would urge expectant mothers to visit their children’s centre to see what support is available.”

The council has set up Hertfordshire Children’s Centres with the support of Unicef to help mums feed their babies even giving support to mums who have a hard time breastfeeding and who have to use the bottle.

Unicef and the World Health Organisation has recommended exclusive breastfeeding for children up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

Breastfeeding is said to have significant health benefits for both the mother and the baby, including a lower risk of stomach and respiratory infections and allergies for babies as well as a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes for both.