NHS Norfolk is proud to launch Start4Life in the county – encouraging mothers and their babies to better health.

Start4Life is part of the government’s Change4Life initiative, aimed at inspiring everyone to be more active and eat more healthily.

Start4Life will be launched alongside the East of England breastfeeding framework – a strategic document which sets out how NHS Norfolk and its partners will encourage more mothers to breastfeed – at Dereham Children’s Centre on Monday 21 June from 10am to 12 noon.

The event will be attended by various health and social care professionals, as well as two breastfeeding mums, and all media are invited.

Jonathan Williams, Assistant Director of Public Health, will be championing the Start4Life initiative for NHS Norfolk.

He said: “It is never too early to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and Start4Life encourages this from birth onwards. It is a philosophy that NHS Norfolk is proud to promote.

“Start4Life offers a wide range of advice for new parents, and parents to be, in order for them to give their babies the best possible start in life. NHS Norfolk will endeavour to spread its message for healthy living.”

Tips for new parents include:

* Why mum’s milk is better for mum and baby
* Every day counts – why every day of mother’s milk can make a difference to health
* No rush to mush – how to tell when your baby is ready for solid food
* Taste for life – why a variety of food for your youngster now could prevent fussy eating later in life
* Sweet as they are – how to avoid giving your baby a sweet tooth
* Baby moves – why it’s important for your baby to be active

Jonathan Williams added: “It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Research has shown that children who are overweight or obese are more likely to remain so as adults, putting themselves at risk of a range of health problems.

“By following the Start4Life philosophy now, parents are giving their babies a headstart to a healthier life in the future.”

For more details on Start4Life visit: www.nhs.uk/start4life