Breastfeeding 'cafes' for mothers

The centres are designed to encourage more mothers to breastfeed

Four special cafes are opening in Wirral where new mothers can get help and support breastfeeding their babies.

The centres are designed to encourage more mothers to breastfeed, as figures show the UK has one of the lowest rates in Europe.

The "baby cafes" will be in children's centres in Hoylake, West Kirby, Woodchurch and New Brighton.

The scheme is a joint Wirral Council, Sure Start and Wirral NHS Primary Care Trust initiative.

Government advisors warned earlier this month that new mothers needed more support with breastfeeding.

Although 76% of women start out breastfeeding, this falls to 50% by six weeks - and one in four by six months.

The cafes will operate every other Wednesday at Hoylake Children's Centre, Market Street and at West Kirby Children's Centre on Saughall Massie Road.

Groups have also been launched at Ganney's Meadow Early Years Centre in Woodchurch and New Brighton Children's Centre.