MOST new mums will know the mantra that breast is best when it comes to feeding your baby, and yet the majority of mothers in the UK are still using the bottle.

And of those that do begin to breast feed, around 75 per cent give up within the first two to six weeks, despite clear evidence of huge health benefits for both mother and baby.

Now the government has set new guidelines to improve Britain's breastfeeding rate - one of the lowest in Europe.

Local midwife Christine Graham, who helped set up a local support group, Breast Friends, believes it is a cultural thing.

"Our culture today does not offer the support needed. Breast feeding your baby can be difficult; you need perseverance, commitment and above all know-how, but it is well worth it. Scientists are still discovering new properties of breast milk, so no formula can ever be said to equal breast milk.

"Many mums give up after six weeks, not through any fault of their own but because of a lack of support and know-how."

To mark National Breast Feeding Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday, Christine is holding an exhibition at the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding.

"It's important to get the message across because there are very few books on the subject in local libraries or book shops," she said.

"That's why support groups are such a good idea because it provides a chance for mums to learn and share skills and experiences with other mums. Health professionals are also on hand to offer help and advice and we have got lots of books on the subject that mums can borrow too."

Mother-of-six Debbie Smith, 34, from Bournemouth, bottle fed her first five children but is now breastfeeding her four-and-a-half-month old daughter, Kelsey.

"I had my first baby when I was 16. I tried breastfeeding then but I just didn't get on with it so I gave up.

"I didn't like the idea of breastfeeding in public because I thought it would be embarrassing. I also thought bottle feeding would be easier and would save time.

"Now I wish I had breastfed all of my babies. Kelsey seems much more content than my other children were and also more affectionate. I think it is because I have to sit down and spend time feeding her and that brings you closer together.

"I don't mind breastfeeding in public. If people don't like it, don't look!"

Kelly Yates, 27, from Charminster, said she had always wanted to breastfeed her baby but was worried she wouldn't be able to do it.

"I had heard lots of stories about people who didn't get on with it but I haven't had any problems at all. It just seems such a natural thing to do and it's very discreet - nobody can see anything!"

Tania Strongman from Boscombe East has breastfed all three of her children and plans to feed her 10-month-old son Woody until he is a year old.

"It is the best start you can give your baby and it is so much more convenient than having to make up bottles of formula - particularly in the middle of the night."

Why give it a go?

Health benefits for Mum include: reduced bleeding after childbirth plus reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, obesity and osteoporosis - and it helps to get your figure back.

Health benefits for baby include: reduced risk of cot death, obesity, fewer infections such as gastro-enteritis, ear, eye and urine infections, fewer allergies such as eczema, asthma, hay fever and also less chance of developing insulin dependant diabetes.

The NHS Priorities and Planning Framework target is to increase breastfeeding initiation rates by two per cent a year from 2003-2006. The Royal Bournemouth Hospital is also planning to appoint a breastfeeding co-ordinator this year.

Breastfeeding support groups in Dorset

Breast Friends at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, 01202 704684.

Breast Friends Boscombe and Springbourne Children's Centre, 07879 640920.

Bosom Buddies,West Howe, Sure Start Centre, Moore Ave, 01202 590289.

Bosom Babies Moordown Clinic, Wimborne Road, 01202522621.