Hampshire County Council have announced new funding for Basingstoke breastfeeding groups after the future of the support was brought into question as a result of changes in the responsibilities for local health visiting services.

Local MP Maria Miller said: “Establishing successful breast feeding can be one of the toughest challenges any new mum faces. When I visited one of the local groups in Brookvale Village Hall I spoke to mums who had benefited from the Hampshire Breastfeeding Counselling drop-in service. The breast feeding counsellors are trained professionals and have the time and experience to support mums.

"Our Local Councillors have acted swiftly to help assure the future of this important service. They have listened and acted. It is very important that mothers have the right advice and support at this crucial stage in their child’s development."