News and reviews > Latest News > Latest news on baby feeding > Breastfeeding mums may need help getting started, expert says

Breastfeeding mums may need help getting started, expert says

Often new mothers are forced to stop breastfeeding due to a number of problems getting started, which can be overcome with a midwife's help.
New mums wanting to breastfeed their baby often require help to latch the baby on when starting out, according to one baby feeding expert.

The Department of Health advocates that breastfeeding is the best form of early nutrition for infants, but many mothers give up trying because of difficulty or discomfort.

Nurse and midwife, Clare Byam-Cook explained: "The main reason women struggle to latch the baby on or get sore nipples is because breasts come in all shapes and sizes. It's just a logistical problem, the bigger the breast, the harder it is to put in a small mouth."

"If you squeeze the breast to make it smaller, any shaped breast will fit, even into a premature baby's mouth," she advised.

The government recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life before introducing them to solid foods.

According to the Infant Feeding Survey from 2005, 48 per cent of all mothers in the UK were breastfeeding at six weeks, while a quarter continued at six months.

Between 2000 and 2005 the incidence of breastfeeding increased in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Chat or Ask a Question:

If you have a question about this article or something else, visit our friendly forums & ask the AskBaby community.

Chat about breastfeeding mums may need help getting started, expert says with our friendly community...

Your Comments:

We'd love to hear your comments on this article...

Login to add your comment:

Email: Password:
Not yet a member? Join thousands of other parents and parents-to-be... Sign Up Now!
Forgot your
Password?

Related:

Breastfeeding found to reduce Arthritis risk
Long term breastfeeding could reduced the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a new study reveals.
Top restaurants ban breastfeeding
A survey has discovered that 17 per cent of the UK's top restaurants prohibit breast feeding in public
Mothers could win right to breastfeed in public
Under government plans, breastfeeding mothers may soon be protected by more rights when feeding in public.
Mothers' diet flavours breastmilk
The food a new mother eats can change the flavour of her breastmilk and potentially influence her child's eating habits later in life.
Government funding to encourage breastfeeding
An extra �2 million of government money will be invested to encourage mothers to breastfeed.
More breastfeeding benefits revealed
As World Breastfeeding Week ends, experts have continued to highlight the positives to be gained from breastfeeding.
For healthy diets start them early
It's never too early for parents to shape their children's eating habits, research has found
More education and fruit to help children's health
An expert has recommended that schools improve food education and give out more free fruit to children at a younger age
Fish diet for babies cuts risk of eczema
Feeding babies fish could help them to avoid eczema.
Manufacturers 'finding alternatives to BPA'
Nursery products manufacturers are seeking alternatives to BPA.
Scientists discover secret of breastfeeding immunity
Researchers have identified the molecule which allows mothers to transfer immunity to their offspring through breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding 'strengthens lungs'
A new study suggests that the hard work involved in breastfeeding for babies may help to strengthen their lungs.
Hayek 'addicted to breast-feeding'
Salma Hayek discusses the power of breastfeeding.
Plans to set up 'breast milk bank'
The Department of Health is reported to have started plans to facilitate easy access to donated breast milk.
Scottish hospital to receive 'Baby Friendly' status
A Lothian hospital is to be commended for promoting breastfeeding.
Raising healthy babies on vegetarian diet is possible, experts say
Child nutrition expert offers advice on weaning and raising your child as a vegetarian.
Breast is best for initial 6mths, experts recommend
Breast milk is advised for newborns as the best source of infant nutrition and a beneficial boost for maternal health.
Breastfeeding good for healthy heart
New findings reinforce the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Women urged to breastfeed for longer
An expert has suggested that women should be encouraged to breastfeed and noted that they are often persuaded to give up early.
Premature baby needs 3,000 calories a day
A baby girl who was delivered three months prematurely is on a diet of 3,000 calories a day.

Community

Popular