Breastfeeding Information and Links
It is well documented that breastfeeding is the best way feed your baby. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both you and your baby on many levels.
Health Benefits
Breast milk provides the perfect nutrition for your baby. Your breast milk adapts exactly to the changing needs of your baby as they grow and develop. Breast milk also provides immunological benefits which cannot be replicated by formula milk.
It is not just your baby who benefits from breastfeeding. There is also a raft of evidence to show that breastfeeding benefits the health of the mother too by protecting her from developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer in the future. In the short term many women find that breastfeeding helps them to lose any excess weight gained during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Promotes Bonding
Breastfeeding can also help mothers to bond with their new baby. If a mother breastfeeds on demand, she quickly learns to recognise her baby's cues for feeding. The closeness of the breastfeeding relationship promotes bonding through close physical skin to skin contact.
Convenience
Breastfeeding is also very convenient. Although it can take a little while to become totally confident, once you and your baby have got the knack breastfeeding is so easy. You can satisfy your hungry baby immediately anytime or anywhere; with no need to warm up formula or wash and sterilise bottles.
Where to go for help and advice
The breastfeeding relationship between mother and child is a complex one and no two mothers will have the same experience. Some lucky mums and babies get the hang of it immediately and sail through it. Others can need help and support to get breastfeeding established.
Breastfeeding helpline phone numbers
La Leche League: 0845 120 2918
National Childbirth Trust: 0870 444 8708
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 08444 122 949
More Useful Breastfeeding Links
Here are some sites that we recommend for help and general information about breastfeeding:
www.llli.org/nb.html
La Leche League - For friendly mother to mother breastfeeding support from pregnancy through to weaning
www.kellymom.com
Breastfeeding advice and information
www.askdrsears.com
The official website of Dr William Sears
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk
NHS UK breastfeeding advice and information
www.breastfeed.scot.nhs.uk
NHS Scotland breastfeeding advice and information
www.abm.me.uk
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
www.drjacknewman.com
An online breastfeeding resource including video clips to help with latch and positioning
www.breastfeeding.com
The number one site for breastfeeding information, support and attitude!
www.breastfeedingsupport.co.uk
UK breastfeeding support and information
www.breastfeedingsupport.ie
Irish website for breastfeeding support and information
www.breastfeeding.co.uk
Jane's Breastfeeding Resources - information and support for breastfeeding mothers