The first ever Breastfed Baby Photo Exhibit has been launched to promote breast feeding and increase breast feeding rates in the community.

The exhibit, a partnership between Ministry of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board and La Leche League, will include selected photos of breastfed babies, which will be displayed next year at the Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall from August 13 to 31. The project is part of a World Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August 2010.

According to Minister of Health, Walter Roban, there are many benefits of breast feeding. He explained: "Breastfeeding protects babies from illness, lowers cancer risks for mothers, reduces health care costs for communities, provides financial savings for families and has a positive impact on the environment. We hope mothers who choose to breastfeed will support this project by sending in photos of their babies."

But breastfeeding can also have health benefits for mothers, suggests Belinda Rogers, registered nurse with BHB's maternity department: "In addition to being the healthiest way to nourish babies, breastfeeding provides many short and long-term health benefits for mothers. Women who nurse their babies reduce their risk factors for three of the most serious diseases that affect women: female cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis," said Ms Rogers.

Families are encouraged to submit photos of babies born after July 1, 2008 who were breastfed or received breast milk for five to six months. Families of newborn babies are also encouraged to submit their photos which will be included under a newborn section of the exhibit.

Photos may be of the baby alone or with family members and should be 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10, though other sizes may be considered. To enter, email photos to photos@bhb.bm or mail printed photos to Public Relations Dept., Bermuda Hospitals Board, P.O. Box HM 1023, HM DX.

Printed photos can also be dropped off at the Front Desk of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, and should include the name of the baby, parent, phone numbers, e-mail address & baby's date of birth. All photos must be submitted by July 1, 2010.

For further information, phone 737-4577, email photos@bhb.bm or visit www.health.gov.bm.