Celebrating National Breastfeeding Week: Benefits of breastfeeding

Information and tips in celebration of the UK's forthcoming National Breastfeeding Week

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week has run since 1993 by the Department of Health as a key event for promoting breastfeeding.

The main aim of the campaign, which runs between 21st June to 30th June 2010, is to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance and encourage friends, family and healthcare professionals to provide support for breastfeeding mothers.

If mums receive help and support, they are more likely to breastfeed for longer, giving them and their child important health benefits. Just some of the benefits are:

• Baby love: One study reported that performance in childhood intelligence tests was better in children who had been breastfed compared to those who had been bottle fed. Physical contact is important to newborns and breastfeeding can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted.
• Fighting talk: Breast milk has antibodies in it to help protect infants from bacteria and viruses and help them in fighting off infection and disease. On average, breastfed babies have fewer infections in their early life. In particular, they have less diarrhoea, vomiting, chest infections ear infections and septicemia compared to babies who are not breast-fed.
• Feed and Go: Breastfeeding is the most convenient method of feeding. There is no preparation time, and it is always available.
• Perfect blend: A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein that is needed for a baby's growth and development. Many of the ingredients of breast milk are not found in cow's milk.
• Shaping up: Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds gained from pregnancy. It also helps the uterus to get back to its original size more quickly and lessens any bleeding a woman may have after giving birth.

A little helping hand...

National Breastfeeding Week wants women to recognise that they have the right to breastfeed at any time and in any place. However, many women still remain embarrassed to breastfeed in public.

There are many types of accessories available these days, which can enable discreet and comfortable breastfeeding. Breastfeeding pillows provide mums with a good nursing position, which avoids back pain, and helps baby to latch on better. Breastfeeding covers or shawls can provide discretion and a baby sling, like the Lifft Sling baby slings and breastfeeding>, can also be used a discreet 'hands-free' way to feed your baby. It is thought that carrying your little one close will increase your desire and ability to breastfeed for longer as it promotes bonding and understanding between you and your newborn.

If you are having difficulty breastfeeding or have any concerns there are many helpful organisations and breastfeeding support networks you can turn to such as La Leche League, the National Childbirth Trust or the NHS website.