A Weymouth mum is putting her 'breast' foot forward by throwing Dorset's first ever breastfeeding awards.

Lucy Ruddle - who also holds the unusual job title of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - said she decided to set up the Dorset Breastfeeding Recognition Awards in honour of breastfeeding parents across the county, to help them celebrate breastfeeding β€˜one feed, one day, one month and beyond'.

Lucy told the Dorset Echo that she has supported many families with their breastfeeding journeys as part of her job, and now wants to do something to recognise the various experiences people have had.

"Mothers often tell me they failed to breastfeed their first baby, but when we get to the bottom of this statement it turns out they did breastfeed – but maybe with challenges, or not for as long as they had hoped", she said.

"I wanted to create an event that acknowledges and celebrates all mothers - whether they provided their baby with a single colostrum feed, breastfed for a week, a year, five years or longer."

The awards are being held this October and the winners of each category will be decided by an expert panel, including professor Amy Brown - author of 'The Positive Breastfeeding Book'.

Nomination categories include 'breastfeeding mothers'; 'supportive partners'; 'breastfeeding-friendly local venues and businesses'; 'amazing volunteers' and 'support workers'.

"It's about donor milk, pumping, IGT, combi-feeding, neonatal intensive care unit babies, overcoming hurdles, tandem feeding, support from volunteers and businesses, and support staff going above and beyond", Lucy added.

"We want to hold up every single experience and celebrate it.”

The awards are being held in Dorchester on Saturday October 5 at a new wellness centre, The Breathing Space. Refreshments will be served during the event, which will be followed by a celebration.

Tickets available now via the Eventbrite website, and any proceeds made are being donated to FAB - Families and Babies, a breastfeeding charity.

Sponsors include a range of Dorset-based businesses as well as an underwear company, Molke, which Lucy said makes colourful bras for breastfeeding mums.

For more information see the event page on Facebook: 'Dorset Breastfeeding Recognition Awards 2019'