Breastfeeding: shifting social norms

client:Department of Health
project dates:2002 - 2005
Breast feeding

The Department of Health has a target to increase breastfeeding initiation rates by 2% each year – with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities, where rates are around 30% lower than higher income groups.

From 2002 to 2005, Forster shaped and delivered National Breastfeeding Awareness Week as a credible and inclusive campaign to motivate women to initiate and sustain breastfeeding through the first six months of their babies’ lives.

Our strategy evolved across the campaign period, but remained centred on a constant core proposition: ‘Mother’s Milk – the start of something special’.  Throughout, we emphasised the powerful emotional bond that breastfeeding can create between mother and baby.

Project outcomes

  • In 2004, campaign messages reached 59% of women under 35 in low-income groups.

Current News

  • Published: 20/11/2008

    Special offer - training workshops for the voluntary sector

    Find out more about training with Forster read more 

  • Published: 20/11/2008

    Charities need to work hard on “special relationship” with the public

    Despite being saddled with recession and potential economic meltdown, most people are still planning to give the same or more to charities over the next six months read more 

  • Published: 20/11/2008

    DHL UK Foundation launches new brand

    Launch of a new brand and identity designed by Forster CREATIVE read more