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Breastfeeding
We are all told that Breast is Best and for those that can easily do this, there can be no greater reward. However, for some, it is really tough but they keep going. We hope this section can give all mums who chose to breastfeed some help and advice.
BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS WEEK: 19th– 25TH JUNE 2011
Breastfeeding is an endless and very emotive topic to cover. With this in mind we have not re-written all the information out there but rather tried to highlight the benefits and give direction to other useful areas of support and information. This will help with your research during your pregnancy will reinforce the message that you are probably already aware of, that in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines, the recommendation is that all babies are fed exclusively for the first 6 months on breast milk. There are lots of reasons why as expectant parents we are told that breastfeeding is natural and normal and gives your baby the best start. Some of which are listed below:
...for babies
Breastmilk is a living fluid and every mother’s milk is tailor-made for her own baby. It contains many ingredients which help a baby stay healthy, such as antibodies to fight germs, hormones and factors that help your baby’s development.
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to become overweight children.
Fewer babies who are breastfed get diabetes in childhood.
Premature babies who receive breastmilk have a lower risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a potentially fatal bowel disorder).
...for mothers
Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of developing certain types of ovarian and breast cancer.
In old age, mothers who have breastfed have a lower risk of hip fractures and diabetes.
Breastfeeding helps your uterus return to its normal size after birth.
...for everyone
Breastfeeding does not have an impact on the environment and means less waste
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All of the above is absolutely true but what a pressure it can put on the parents and the baby. Mothers who cannot breastfeed for one reason or another can be left feeling inadequate and get quite stressed about their inability to do ‘ their best’ for their child. This does not have to be the case, especially in Guernsey, where there is a wealth of support and help at hand. Every day you breast feed makes a difference to your baby’s health now and in the future. Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger. To get more information during your pregnancy and enable you to feel more confident about your choice to breasfeed you may want to attend the specific breastfeeding class run by the midwives. More information on this is attached here: Breastfeeding Classes.
All of the above is absolutely true but what a pressure it can put on the parents and the baby. Mothers who cannot breastfeed for one reason or another can be left feeling inadequate and get quite stressed about their inability to do ‘ their best’ for their child. This does not have to be the case, especially in Guernsey, where there is a wealth of support and help at hand. Every day you breast feed makes a difference to your baby’s health now and in the future. Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger. To get more information during your pregnancy and enable you to feel more confident about your choice to breasfeed you may want to attend the specific breastfeeding class run by the midwives. More information on this is attached here: Breastfeeding Classes.
Bottle feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breastmilk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help him grow and develop. Also, bottle feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases. So with all this in mind please do not give up or feel alone, use the support and help listed below and speak to other Mums on our chatroom, the Guernsey Grapevine
Useful links
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers counsellors offer information and support through a telephone helpline. www.abm.me.uk
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers counsellors offer information and support through a telephone helpline. www.abm.me.uk
Fathers Direct
This site discusses childcare and paternity leave, and puts fathers in a position where they are informed about breastfeeding. www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
This site discusses childcare and paternity leave, and puts fathers in a position where they are informed about breastfeeding. www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
La Leche League
This organisation aims to help breastfeeding mothers through support, information and education. They produce the Breastfeeding Answer Book and have a telephone support line. http://www.laleche.org.uk/
This organisation aims to help breastfeeding mothers through support, information and education. They produce the Breastfeeding Answer Book and have a telephone support line. http://www.laleche.org.uk/
National Childbirth Trust
This website includes all the basic information on breastfeeding and has a link to order the NCT Book of Breastfeeding. It also has a great section on how to breastfeed your baby. http://www.nct.org.uk/home
This website includes all the basic information on breastfeeding and has a link to order the NCT Book of Breastfeeding. It also has a great section on how to breastfeed your baby. http://www.nct.org.uk/home
BBC Online
This site has many articles on the different aspects of breastfeeding and has an 'ask the expert' section. www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/babies_feeding
This site has many articles on the different aspects of breastfeeding and has an 'ask the expert' section. www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/babies_feeding
UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative
The parents' section of this site has links to useful resources and information about the benefits of breastfeeding. http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/
The parents' section of this site has links to useful resources and information about the benefits of breastfeeding. http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/
The Breastfeeding Network
This site offers independent support and information about breastfeeding. It has a list of breastfeeding centres and information on a range of topics, and it runs a telephone helpline. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
This site offers independent support and information about breastfeeding. It has a list of breastfeeding centres and information on a range of topics, and it runs a telephone helpline. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
Local Clinics and Support
NCT Breastfeeding Coffee Mornings
Breastfeeding awareness coffee mornings are held at 10am and are generally the 3rd Weds in every month. The first drink at the venue is complimentary. This is a fun and social morning to encourage breastfeeding Mums to get together and feel more relaxed about feeding your baby and to give you the opportunity to mix and meet other Mums in a similar position. You do not have to be a member of the NCT to come along.
Tel: 07781464438
Contact Claudine Jackson for more information
Breastfeeding Clinic
There is also a breastfeeding clinic up at the Loveridge Ward every Tuesday from 11am - Noon. This is run by the midwives and mums are invited to drop in as required if in need of assistance or advice.
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