A SURVEY published on Monday by the Department of Health showed that serious "misunderstandings" could be stopping women from breastfeeding.

As the country celebrates national Breastfeeding Awareness Week, health reporter Emma Cullwick talks to a Worcester mum who believes in the message "breast is best".

THE Government is on a mission this week to encourage more women to ditch formula milk in favour of breastfeeding after figures have revealed the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe.

Almost one third of women (29 per cent) in England and Wales never try to breastfeed compared with two per cent in Sweden, according to the Department of Health.

Younger women in particular are less likely to breastfeed with more than 40 per cent of mothers under-24 never trying it, says the department.

The news comes as the country celebrates National Breastfeeding Week, which started on Sunday and finishes on Saturday.

"Give it a Go" is the message being spread during the week, which is also focussing on encouraging those with the lowest breastfeeding rates such as the young and those in disadvantaged areas to start breastfeeding.

Barbara O'Reilly, of Astwood Road, Rainbow Hill, has been breastfeeding her daughter Hannah since she was born seven months ago.

"I really wanted to breastfeed," said the 33-year-old.

"I knew it was best for the baby and I thought it was the best possible start I could give her.

"It's also very practical and cheap, you don't have to make up bottles or worry about sterilising bottles and making sure the water is the right temperature and Hannah loves it."

But the art of breastfeeding was not as simple as Barbara thought.

"I found it very difficult at first, it took a good few attempts before Hannah latched on, but because I was determined I persevered and now she is still breastfeeding," she said.

"I had fantastic support in hospital with the midwives, they really helped me and didn't let me out of hospital until I had mastered it, which helped tremendously.

"I would say to new mums that they should keep persevering until they get the hang of it. It's really worth it and there's lots of support out there for them."

For Barbara, the advantages of breastfeeding have really outweighed the cons.

"I definitely think it's helped with the bonding process, for me it's a very intimate time between mum and baby," she said.

"Because I was doing all the feeding it was very tiring but I wanted to spend that time with my daughter."

Breastfeeding mums often feel that they can only go out between feeds, or have to start bottle-feeding because there is a lack of acceptance of breastfeeding in public, says the DoH.

"Normalising breastfeeding and making it acceptable to breastfeed in public is crucial to increasing breastfeeding rates," said Government Minister for Public Health, Melanie Johnson.

But with initiatives such as the ''Worcester Welcomes Breastfeeding'' campaign, that has seen restaurants, pubs and cafes putting up stickers welcoming women to breastfeed in their premises, mums should have no fear of breastfeeding in the city, says Barbara.

"Breastfeeding in public isn't an issue for me," she said.

"I've done it when I've gone travelling with Hannah, on the train and planes and I have never come across anyone who has found it offensive.

"After all, it's the most natural thing you can do for your child."

And Barbara is not the only mum to advocate breastfeeding. Famous film and TV personalities Sadie Frost, Fiona Phillips, and Donna Air, are also all for the natural way to nourish their children.

Television presenter Donna said: "Because Freya is my first child I was extra cautious to give her the best start in life.

"Breastfeeding was a great way to help her avoid allergies and infections.

"I am so pleased I made the decision to breastfeed.

"It has proved tough at times, but is also very rewarding for both myself and Freya."

Big Brother reality television programme presenter Davina McCall agreed, adding: "Breastfeeding isn't always easy.

"With both my children I've nearly given up at six weeks but with some encouragement and reassurance I've persevered and I'm glad I did.

"It's a wonderful experience and I always feel sad about stopping."

The Worcester Breastfeeding Awareness Group meets every Thursday from 12pm to 1pm at the Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Centre, in Worcester, and is open to all new mums.

Other similar groups are also run in Malvern, Droitwich and Evesham, and for more information contact your health visitor or GP.