DOZENS of mothers gathered at Lydiard Park on Saturday to take part in a record breastfeeding attempt.

The event was part of the Big Latch On, a global event celebrating breastfeeding which is marking its ten year anniversary this year.

While 101 people, including fathers, went on a Saturday, a total of 47 women took part in the latch, the biggest number they have had to date. The youngsters ranged from six months old to six years.

As well as celebrating event, mums were also looking to raise awareness of all the support which is available in Swindon.

One of the organisers was Kathryn Beale, of Park North, who said she was pleased by the number of people who turned up.

The mum-of-two said: “Last year there were 41 so we have beaten that which is nice. A lot of people do not realise that breastfeeding is much better than using formula so it is good to raise that awareness.

“Breastfeeding has been in the news quite a bit recently so it is good to show it in a positive light.

“There is lots of really good support in Swindon for mums. There is a Breastmate class running every day so there is always somewhere to go for advice or support.”

Also present at the event was Cathy Gale, Great Western Hospital’s Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife.

She said: “Events like this and the excellent Breastmate groups are great for helping new parents get advice.

“A lot of them like the peer support from others who are going through the same situation.

“It is also good because many also see that breastfeeding is not a big show or fuss and is actually a perfectly natural thing to do. The Big Latch On helps us to spread that message others.”

Swindon’s free Breastmates support service aims to help mums who need practical advice and emotional support at what can be a very tiring and stressful time.

There are nine active groups with dozens of volunteers and peer supporters which meet regularly, in addition to two National Childbirth Trust breastfeeding counsellors on hand to provide individual support.

Councillor Brian Mattock, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Swindon Breastmates is a fantastic group which can be a real lifeline for local mums who are breastfeeding and need practical guidance or emotional support during what can be a difficult time.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the peer volunteers who give their valuable time, experience and expertise to help others – it really does make a difference.

“The Big Latch On is an opportunity to raise awareness of the huge benefits of breastfeeding as well as promote the wealth of free support on offer which all mums are very welcome to call on.”

See nhs.uk/breastfeedingandswindonbreastmates.co.uk for more information.