MORE than 200 mothers and babies have taken advantage of the Baby Cafe in Leominster.

In the last 12 months, they have dropped in and been given health information and advice on breastfeeding, as well as forging friendships between themselves.

The cafe, in Leominster's Coningsby Street Children's Centre, celebrated its first birthday and many mothers turned up to say thank you.

All pregnant or breastfeeding mothers can drop in at the cafe every Friday between 10.30am and noon to get any help they may need over a cup of coffee.

No appointments are necessary and partners, supporters and health professionals are welcome.

Some mothers have found it so rewarding, that eight have undertaken a 12-week peer-counselling course so they can help others.

Mother of three, Charlie Jones, said it had been great to have the chance to speak to other mothers who were breastfeeding, especially in the early days if things were not going smoothly.

"I find the baby cafe a really positive, supportive environment and the staff are always ready to discuss any issues.

"It's a good mix of informal and professional advice and information," she said.

Nicki Howard, health care co-ordinator, said the response to the clinic had been greater than expected.

"It's not just the support and advice that's important, it's the friendships that form too.

"Many of these mums will stay in contact with each other as their babies grow and share the new challenges of managing toddlers in the not-too-distant future," she said.

Herefordshire Council, working with Herefordshire Primary Care Trust and Hereford Hospital Trust, is considering setting up a baby cafe in the Kington area this summer.