breastfeeding advice, links and nursing tips 

Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life

Breastfeeding is natural and normal and gives your baby the best start.The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and can continue to benefit your baby along with solid foods for many months after. Every day you breast feed makes a difference to your baby’s health now and in the future.

Every year in the UK, the Department of Health run the National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, an initiative that has been running since 1993 with the aim of promoting breastfeeding.

The objectives of the campaign are simply to raise awareness of the health beneftis of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, and to encourage support of breastfeeding. Furthermore, the campaign hopes to promote social acceptance of breastfeeding in public.

The Department of Health and Green Baby would like women to recognise their right to breastfeed at any time and in any place. Always carry a couple of muslins, if you don't have a scarf handy for discretion.

We also recommend our organic nipple balm (which makes a terrific remedy for dry and cracked lips too!) An intensely nourishing mix of organic sunflower oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and beeswax nourishes and soothes the skin. Suitable as a pre-conditioner and safe during breastfeeding. Lanolin-free. and Paraben Free. Free of synthetic fragrances and preservatives.

United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking - Breastfeeding mothers can also donate expressed milk to support the feeding and care of sick and premature babies. 'Every drop counts'. UKAMB provides answers to questions from Breastfeeding mothers interested in becoming milk donors as well as from health professionals.http://www.ukamb.org/ find your local milk bank here http://www.ukamb.org/yourmilkbank.html

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases. It also reduces mothers' chances of getting certain diseases later in life.

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.

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.

Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against:

    * ear infections
    * gastro-intestinal infections
    * chest infections
    * urine infections
    * childhood diabetes
    * eczema
    * obesity
    * asthma.

Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against:

    * ovarian cancer
    * breast cancer
    * weak bones later in life.

Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.

Breast-feeding is the best choice for your baby’s overall physical and mental development. But when nursing is impossible, the bottle becomes indispensable for feeding baby and exercising his or her jaw muscles. At Green Baby we prefer BPA-Free glass bottles over plastic – here’s why

Breastfeeding Support and Links

NCT Breastfeeding support line 0300 330 0772 http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com

Department of Health advice and links http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers - http://www.abm.me.uk/

Breastfeeding Network - support helpline and local breasfeeding support groups. The service 0870 900 8787 operates from 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year, and calls will be charged at the usual national rate in the UK or your mobile rate. http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/

United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking - Breastfeeding mothers can donate expressed milk to support the feeding and care of sick and premature babies. 'Every drop counts'. http://www.ukamb.org/ find your local milk bank here http://www.ukamb.org/yourmilkbank.html

La Leche League - breastfeeding support and education - http://www.laleche.org.uk/

Breastfeeding Support - useful articles and links, particularly for breastfeeding friendly venues across the UK http://www.breastfeedingsupport.co.uk/

Resources for breastfeeding mothers - http://www.breastfeeding.co.uk/

The Baby Cafe - Baby Café drop-in centres around the country generally open once a week and are set out with coffee tables, comfy sofas and play areas for accompanying toddlers. All pregnant or breastfeeding mums are welcome to drop in at any time during opening hours. No appointment is necessary and partners, supporters and health professionals are also welcome. http://www.thebabycafe.org/

Support 4 women blog, advice on the best bra and real life case studies http://support4women.net/