8 REASONS TO BREASTFEED
1 Breastfeeding creates an intimate bond between a mother and her child and is a very direct way for humans to experience that we need each other and are there for each other.2 Mother's milk is always available, sanitary and pre-warmed.
3 The composition of breast milk is ideally adapted to the needs of a growing baby.
4 Breastfeeding is simple, economical and saves time.
5 Breastfeeding stimulates contractions to help shrink the uterus back to its original size after delivery.
6 Breastfed babies have fewer and milder infections.
7 Breastfeeding largely protects babies against dangerous inflammatory digestive disorders, septicaemia and encephalitis.
8 Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can prevent the development of allergies in the child.
Source: A Guide to Child Health(£18 Floris Books)
Other Support
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
The ABM, BfN and LLL(GB) are all specialist breastfeeding organisations. They are all run by volunteers and the focus is on mother-to-mother support. The NCT, by contrast, is a much larger charity with a much wider focus. It does however offer valuable breastfeeding support and a variety of leaflets and other publications. Click here for their website.
Other useful
websites include:
www.iwantmymum.com A very pro-breastfeeding message forum. As well as the opportunity to chat to other like-minded mums, this site offers lots of well researched information and is supported by a team of professionals.www.kellymom.com Recommended by lots of mums as a great source of information.
www.babyfriendly.org.uk The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly initiative runs programmes to help improve the support provided to mothers and babies by the NHS.
www.tamba.org.uk Twins and Multiple Births Association: Useful guides to breastfeeding twins, triplets and more!.
www.babymilkaction.org Baby Milk Action works as part of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) to strengthen controls on the marketing of the baby feeding industry and to end avoidable suffering caused by inappropriate infant feeding.
www.promom.org Promotes the awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding and includes a great list of 101 reasons to breastfeed!
www.breastfeeding.co.uk Packed with information and advice on breastfeeding.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding:
There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby. Breast-fed babies are less likely to suffer from eczema, allergies, infections, constipation and obesity. Studies have shown that women who breastfeed are less susceptible to breast cancer than those who don't. And of course the emotional bond that forms between a breastfeeding mother and her baby creates a solid foundation of love and trust.
Health professionals now recommend that babies are exclusively fed on breast milk for the first six months of their life. Some mothers continue to feed their children until they are two years old and over. This has been shown to have a positive emotional benefit to the child and the mother and encourages a strong immune system in the developing child.
Mastering the art of breastfeeding can take practice and the most important thing to remember is to get the positioning right. Make sure that your baby is taking enough of the nipple and areola into her mouth whilst feeding. If she is not latched on correctly, slip your finger into the corner of her mouth to break the seal on your nipple and prevent sore breasts. If she is latched on properly her ears will move as she feeds.
Breastfeeding mothers must ensure that they are getting lots of rest, drinking as much liquid as they need (making all that rich milk is thirsty work!) and eating regularly. An organic wholefood diet will ensure that you feel good, emotionally and physically, but is not necessary for you to make the perfect food for your baby.
Common problems and how to treat them:
Sore, cracked nipples:
Check positioning and get help from a breastfeeding counsellor. To prevent soreness, massage a little almond oil into the nipple after feeding. Rose oil is also beneficial and smells divine. Add a drop of this to two teaspoons of almond oil.
Breastmilk is also useful to protect nipples and can be expressed after a feed and gently massaged into the nipples.
Start each feed on a different breast to avoid overuse of one. A ribbon safely pinned to your bra strap can help to remind you.
Engorgement:
Hard heavy breasts that are so full that it is difficult for the baby to feed from them. Alternate hot and cold compresses can help before feeding to get your milk flowing. Try to express some milk before feeding to make it easier for your baby to latch on. Rhubarb or savoy cabbage leaves placed over the breasts, perhaps tucked in a bra can help ease discomfort and swelling.
Mastitis:
A blocked duct causes the breast to become inflamed and this in turn leads to an infection called mastitis. Dandelion root tea can be effective at bringing down the fever and reducing inflammation.
Baby-led feeding:
Despite some parenting manuals and media claiming that breastfeeding on demand creates spoilt, obese children, we believe otherwise. A baby needs a certain amount of milk in order to grow and thrive and it makes no sense to deny him this essential need in the early days of his life. The only way you can be sure that your baby is being properly nourished is to follow his needs for feeding during the day and the night. This is when it makes most sense to have your baby with you in bed so that you can just offer the breast when he stirs in the night. Restricting breastfeeding to time limits and a rigorous schedule will not allow for optimum nutrition and will probably leave your baby feeling frustrated and hungry.
Where to go for support:
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
The ABM was established in 1979 by a group of mums experienced in breastfeeding counselling. A range of leaflets are available by post or to download from the website. Volunteer counsellors provide a telephone helpline and email counselling service. The ABM also runs an internet chat group. Members also receive a regular magazine.
24 Counsellor Helpline (emergencies only please between10pm-8am):
0870 401 7711
Email counselling: counselling@abm.me.uk
Chat Group: chatabm
Website: www.abm.me.uk
Email: info@abm.me.uk
Breastfeeding Network
BfN is a registered Scottish charity providing mother-to-mother support. Calling the Supporterline automatically puts you through to your nearest volunteer counsellor, who may also be able to visit you at home. BfN also runs 'Drugline', a helpline that provides information about breastfeeding and prescription drugs. Members also receive a regular newsletter.
Supporterline:
(9.30am-9.30pm daily):
0870 900 8787
Drugline: 02392 598 604
Website: breastfeeding
Email: BfN@btinternet.com
La Leche League Great Britain (LLLGB)
An international charity, formed over 40 years ago in the USA. LLL has a fantastic collection of information on breastfeeding, both for sale and through a lending library, with information available in 25 languages, including Braille, and through websites. Local La Leche League Groups provide mother-to-mother support by holding regular discussion meetings on various aspects of mothering and breastfeeding. There is a 24 hour helpline which will also give you details of your nearest group. Members also receive a regular magazine full of information, stories, news and discussion.
24 hour telephone helpline: 0845 120 2918
Website: www.laleche.org.uk
E: enquiries@laleche.org.uk LLL BOOKS LTD
Tel: 0845 456 1866
E: books@laleche.org.uk