The Maternity Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is holding an open house today for new and expectant mothers who are interested in learning more about the benefits of breast feeding.

Maternity Ward staff will be on hand to give advice, practical tips and support; and experienced women will talk about their breast feeding experiences.

Roxanne Kipps-Jackson, manager of the Maternal Child Programme at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is looking forward to the event.

"Breast feeding is the most natural thing to do for your baby many new mothers are discouraged if the connection does not occur immediately," said Mrs. Kipps-Jackson.

"However it is new to mom and baby and like any other new relationship does take some time initially.

"It's a simple, natural thing mothers can do to provide their baby with the nourishment they need. We welcome any new and expectant mothers to visit us today so that we can advise them on how they can overcome very short lived initial difficulties with breast feeding."

It has been shown that breast-feeding is beneficial to both mother and baby and that breast milk is nutritionally perfect for your baby whether it is full term or premature.

It is also associated with lower rates of certain cancers in mothers and breast milk contains immunities against diseases and helps in the development if the baby's immune system. And said Mrs. Kipps-Jackson: "Breast-feeding is also free of charge and a convenient alternative to formula feeding."

The open house takes place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. today in the Maternity Ward on the first floor at KEMH.