Nothing to compares to breast milk
There are lots of decisions to be made in the run up to your baby's arrival. Your partner, family and friends are no doubt willing advisors. But a key decision you can make for you and for your baby's long term health is to breastfeed. Before you decide one way or the other, you need to be armed with the facts. It's natural to have questions, what if you find it hard? What difference does it make?
Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs in a natural, easily digested form. It comes packed with all kinds of antibodies to protect your baby from stomach infections and allergies that only you can provide.
And it's good for mums too – breastfeeding your baby can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight and lower the risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Mums have been breastfeeding since the dawn of time, but it is perfectly normal to be apprehensive. Breastfeeding is something that mums and babies learn together. Some will find it more difficult than others, which is why support to help you gain confidence is important. The National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 can provide help and advice and a ‘From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD, is available from your midwife.
So if you're a mum to be, or the friend or partner of someone who is, know the facts before you make your decision. After all, this isn't just the first outfit you buy your baby; this has long term health benefits to both mum and baby.
For more information, www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk
Audio Features
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Comments
The Breastfeeding Network run 6 groups across Ayrshire, where trained mums support breastfeeding mums and babies (Ayr, Largs, Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock, Cumnock and Irvine). To find out more about the support in your area, visit our website, www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk or phone Supporterline on 0300 100 0210.April, BfN Supporter
I now have a daughetr of 13months, and i must say that Breatfeeding her was a great challenge but thankfully to the support i was given by a certain member of the local group, by being given advice and also with them coming to my house around 6 times aday to help me with feeding etc. i was still feeding her until around a couple of weeks ago. I found this gave me a great feeling and a great bond between myself and my daughter. and i would recommend ANYBODY to give breastfeeding a good go and really DO NOT be affraid to ask for help, they are there for the purpose so use them and never be affraid to ask for help or talk to others about it.Steph
I would agree with all the points raised in favour of breast feeding but the most important of them is being able to give your child the best start in life.Dorothy