A MALVERN mother-of-three believes breastfeeding is so important she is helping to pay for the training of a new counsellor.

Frances Thurlow, from Malvern Wells, set up a maternity clothes library a year ago, offering pregnant women the chance to avoid the expense and hassle of buying new garments.

For a joining fee of £5, plus a small fee for each item, members can borrow any of the clothes that have been donated.

"People are really delighted to donate maternity clothes, as you don't get much wear out of them, and people who are borrowing are delighted as they haven't had to spend the money," said Mrs Thurlow.

Mrs Thurlow has raised £100 since she began the exchange and is using the money towards the cost of training Julie Briggs, from Leigh Sinton, to become a breast-feeding counsellor for the National Childbirth Trust.

Mrs Thurlow said: "I so enjoyed breastfeeding myself and think it's really important that babies get the best start in life. Getting started and getting over the initial teething problems is so worth it."

Mrs Briggs began her part-time training, which costs around £1,000, in September and she will qualify in 2006.

She will then be able to offer support and advice to mothers on breast-feeding and any problems they may be having.

Mrs Briggs said: "After I had my own daughter, I thought it would be nice to give something back. It's very valuable work."

A coffee morning organised by the Malvern Hills National Childbirth Trust will take place at Malvern Health Centre on May 11 to celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs from May 9 to 15. The event is from 10am to noon.

To find out more about the library or to donate clothes, call 01684 561485.