Mothers' baby joy captured

A Rotorua mum has been named the winner of a regional photo competition to celebrate breastfeeding.
Erena Mikaere's photo of her feeding baby Bileigh with friend Deborah Hayes and her baby Heretaunga at Lake Tarawera was voted the best from the upper central North Island in the Ministry of Health's breastfeeding photo competition.
Second place went to Rachel Stringfellow of Tauranga who sent in a picture from the Tauranga races.
The competition received 360 entries from across New Zealand and the winners were selected by voting. Ms Mikaere's entry drew 89 votes and won her a prize pack and vouchers.
"We're thrilled that so many mums showed their support for breastfeeding by entering photos," said Heather Black, breastfeeding co-ordinator for Lakes District Health Board.
"They are sending a strong message to other women that breastfeeding in public is entirely natural. The proud looks on the faces of the mums who entered shows just how far we have come.
"Erena's photo is a beautiful photo that shows breastfeeding is not only a bond between mum and baby, but relaxing and sociable, too."
Ms Mikaere said breastfeeding hadn't always been easy for her, but it was worth persevering.
"I struggled with breastfeeding at first and things were quite tough, but with help from my family, my partner and my midwife, I've really come through that now. I'm so happy to be breastfeeding - it's a very special time between me and my baby."
The competition was part of the Ministry of Health's breastfeeding education initiative, which includes the display around the country of pictures of women breastfeeding.
Ms Black said breastfeeding gave babies a great start in life. "It helps them develop physically and emotionally and helps build immunity. Breastmilk can give babies a perfect blend of nutrients.
"It's best for mum, too. It reduces the risk of some breast cancers and may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and hip fractures later in life."
* The winning photos can be viewed at www.breastfeedingnzphotos.org.nz.