Breastfeeding Awareness Week
This year's National Breastfeeding Awareness Week runs from 10th to 16th May.
We know that breast feeding has health benefits for both babies and Mums.
Women have less risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer. It also reduces their risk of getting brittle bones in later life so they tend to need less hip or knee replacements.
Babies also get a good start in life. They're less likely to be ill with stomach infections (diarrhoea and vomiting) and chest or ear infections. They're also less likely to suffer from allergies including asthma and eczema as well as the reduced risk of diabetes and obesity.
The longer you breast feed your baby for, the more benefits there tends to be. The NHS recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives to give them the best possible start.
Breastfeeding is a skill that mums and babies learn together. Some mums may find it difficult which is why support is so important.
Support can come from partners, grandparents/family or friends. They can do this by bathing the baby, changing nappies or simply enjoy a walk in the park together. Lots of ways they can bond with baby other than feeding.
They can also help around the house and ensure Mum is healthy and well.
With these supporters on board, mums are more likely to feel encouraged to persist with breastfeeding.
For more information, please visit www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212
Comments
So giving women the choice to breastfeed, or indeed the support if they cant (did you read my post, Mandy?) is being defensive? I never claimed it's wrong to give your baby the best start you can, I claim it's wrong to force the breast on all who will listen.Sharon
Why is it wrong to encourage mothers to give their babies the best start in life? You would take advice on other medical matters, why not on how to feed a baby. Stop being so defensive, you can't excape the fact that Breast is Best. Support in this country is absimal, and patchy at best, we need inciatives like this to raise awareness.Mandy
How DARE anyone attempt to dictate howe feed our children! I am absoluetley outraged at this governments attitude to this subject. How about showing a little compassion and sensitivity on this subject. I was desperate to breastfeed my son but he would not latch on and 12 hours from birth, had still not fed. The only logical solution was to offer formula. I am offended that I must justify this to every G.P and health visitor I encounter. It is little wonder we have such a high rate of post natel depression in this country when new mothers (already at the mercy of their hormones) are subject to this type of preached drivle. Incidentally, my son is now 10 moths on and thriving. Hmm, is it anythingith the fact he is well cared for, loved and properly fed? Or perhaps I should have persevered with that hungry screaming baby to keep our nanny state happy....Sharon