Breastfeeding

The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, with around 30% of mothers (especially young mothers) reluctant to feed their babies breast milk. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about breastfeeding, so if you're unsure whether to breast or bottle feed your baby, here are the answers to your questions.

Why breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is the most natural way of feeding your baby. Breast milk is specifically adapted to your baby's needs, and breastfeeding has multipe benefits for both baby and mum.  

Why it's best for baby:
- it aids digestion of milk.
- it provdes the essential nutrients at exactly the right time baby needs them (the composition of breast milk changes according to baby's needs).
- it protects baby from diarrhoea, otitis and otitis media, bronchiolitis and childhood diseases.
- it gives long-term protection against food allergies and other types of allergy.
- it protects against diabetes.
- it protects against obesity.
- it helps baby's jaw position.
- it forges a strong and secure link between mother and baby.
Note that this list isn't exhaustive and there are many more benefits!

Why it's best for mum:
- it gives you a feeling of fulfilment and closeness with your baby.
- it produces endorphins (happy hormones), which have a natural anti-depressive effect. 
- it encourages natural, healthy weight loss. Breastfeeding drains those extra pounds you pile on during pregnancy (that's what they're there for)! 
- it's practical: you don't have to make up bottles, your milk is always there, always sterile and always at the right temperature.

How and when to start breastfeeding?
- Give your baby your breast right from birth. At two hours old, your baby has the reflex that enables him/her to take milk easily. 
- Feeding aids your milk supply.
- Your baby will get your first milk (colostrum or immune milk), which is thick, yellow and full of vitamins and antibodies.

Milk supply
Your milk will come over the two or three days after you give birth.
Your breasts will swell and harden. It's normal for them to be painful. If you are in pain, have a hot shower and massage your breats gently.
Feed your baby as often as possible, so that your breasts are well drained and don't get clogged up, as well as to help your baby get the hang of it.
Don't feed your baby water or other types of milk: there's no need, and it will only disrupt the breastfeeding process.

Positioning baby
The right position is crucial. Once you've got it right, everything will go like a dream.
- Place your baby dead opposite you with the head in line with the body, not twisted. 
- Bring the baby to your breast (head and body, not just the head!).
- Your baby should take all (or almost all) of the areola in his mouth, with his/her lower jaw away from the nipple.
- Baby's lips should close around your nipple.
A correct position greatly reduces the risk of pain or discomfort. Your baby should swallow regularly; one way of telling if he/she is swallowing is when the ears move!

If you're having problems
If you're struggling, don't be shy about getting help. The Breastfeeding Network(www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk) can help, as can Little Angels (www.littleangels.org.uk).

If you don't want to breastfeed, don't feel bad about it
New mums with little milk, cracked or sore nipples that make breastfeeding painful often feel guilty that they're not giving their baby the best start in life. Older children can also be jealous of the close bond between you and your newborn, or you and your partner may simply be unsure about breastfeeding, for one reason or another. Don't beat yourself up over it: the most important thing is that you feel at ease with motherhood. Infant formula (bought milk) is the next best thing to give your baby the nutrients he/she needs. It's better not to breastfeed than to suffer through it if you really aren't happy with it.