A NEW interactive tool has been launched in a bid to help breastfeeding mums.

Start4Life, Public Health England’s programme that helps parents adopt healthy behaviours, has unveiled the BreastFeeding Friend (BFF) ChatBot in the South West today (March 23).

BFF is accessed through Facebook Messenger and provides personal support for mothers at any time of the day or night to help make breastfeeding a better experience.

The tool will also dispel any breastfeeding myths and help alleviate concerns mums have, working as a live chat tool able to respond to questions posed by the user.

Viv Bennett, chief nurse at Public Health England, said: “Breastfeeding, while natural, is something that all mums and their babies learn by doing.

"Mums tell us that after the first few weeks breast feeding becomes easier, so proper support is crucial at this time, which is where our BFF is designed to help.

“We can all help women feel comfortable breastfeeding their baby wherever they are.

"Creating a wider culture of encouragement and support will help make a mother’s experience all the more positive.”

FIgures show almost three-quarters of women start breastfeeding when their child is born, but the number drops to 44% after two months.

However, evidence shows the right support helps mums to breastfeed for longer.

PHE recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

A new survey of 500 mothers of young children commissioned by PHE showed that more than half were concerned that breastfeeding could mean they wouldn't be able to tell if their baby was getting too much or not enough milk.

A similar proportion of mums surveyed thought that people might assume they need a special diet to breastfeed.

Nearly three in 10 worried that breastfeeding could mean their baby might not be getting the right nutrients, indicating why mothers may stop breastfeeding at this early point.  

However, research shows breastfeeding boosts a baby’s ability to fight illness and infection, with babies who are not breastfed more likely to get diarrhoea and respiratory infections.

It also lowers a mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and burns around 500 calories a day.

Rosanne Sodzi, health and wellbeing programme manager for Public Health England South West, said: “The ‘Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend’ is a great tool for mums in the South West who are looking for help and advice about breastfeeding.

"Support can make a real difference to successful breastfeeding, so building a network of people who can share tips and advice or attending local breastfeeding groups can also be beneficial for those who might require a bit more help.”