A SERVICE supporting new mothers in Oxford with issues including breastfeeding, sleepless nights and medical problems has celebrated its first birthday.

The Blackbird Leys Baby Café celebrated its anniversary at its base in Cuddesdon Corner, Cuddesdon Way, in the centre of the estate.

Each week, about ten mothers with young children arrive at the centre to ask for advice on mothering issues from maternity care professionals and from other mums in the same situation.

The service also provides an area where parents can breastfeed in a relaxed public place.

Maternity outreach worker Camille Kalaja said: "Sometimes having a baby can make you feel quite isolated.

"This is a first step out for mums with their new baby, and it gives them the strength to go to different groups. They feel confident again."

Ms Kalaja said most of the mothers were aged between 25 and 40, but she was hoping to attract some younger mums.

Mums come to the group with babies as young as five-days-old and the cafe is equipped with a private area where they can discuss any health issues they have in a safe and private environ- ment.

Ms Kalaja added: "There is a very friendly atmosphere - it is very relaxed and informal.

"Everything is discussed, from dirty nappies to technical parts of the breast.

"It is free. It is a social event - they can come and breastfeed for the first time in the perfect environment - and nobody is going to look at them in a weird way."

Mother-of-two Katie Gamble, 25, from Briar Way, Blackbird Leys, attends the baby café with her five-month-old daughter Rachel. She said: "It is wonderful. It has a fantastic atmos- phere. We talk about sleepless nights, weaning, what we did before we had children and how life has changed for us.

"Breastfeeding doesn't come naturally to everyone, it is a learned skill.

"The group gives you support and once you have got that skill, it is the most natural thing in the world."

Katrina Randon, 34, from Forget-Me-Not-Way, Greater Leys, had her first child, Alan, five-and-a-half-months ago.

She said: "The group is great for building your confidence that you are doing the right things."

A garden, including a vegetable patch, has recently been created for the summer.

The Baby Café charity also runs a mobile bus service on other Oxford estates.

For more information, visit thebabycafe.org