Breastfeeding
I am shocked by the latest figures here on breastfeeding - "The breastfeeding rate in Scotland
has stayed at a “broadly similar level” over the last decade, according to
official data. In 2014-15, just over 48 % of babies in Scotland were being breastfed at the time of the first child health
review visit in Scotland, which takes place when they are around ten days old. That fell to
38% by the time of the six-eight week review statistics show." Compare these figures to Scandinavia, where 96% of babies are breastfed! The main reason not to breast feed is a seriously ill mother. Only a small number of woman are unable to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is
natural, easy, free and by miles the healthiest option for both mother and
baby. So why on earth are new mothers
turning to the extra work of expensive cows milk formula?
The problem is
both formula advertising and that breastfeeding is damn hard work to start off
with. But after a few weeks breastfeeding is wonderful and offers a unique
closeness with your baby.
It is also a
nonsense that babies don't get enough food breastfeeding! My son tripled his
weight in 6 months! Don't add in extra
bottles though - the rubber teat on a bottle is easier for baby and will put
them off breastfeeding.
TIPS - Read a
book on breastfeeding ; make sure nipple is in a correct position, or sucking
can hurt; showers help with full breasts the first few weeks and Vaseline; and try
to breastfeed exclusively until adding solids.
Don't expect breastfeeding to be easy and it does take time the first
couple of weeks. It is also wonderful too and healthy for your breasts.
The NHS should
pay more attention to preventive medicine and advertise the benefits of breastfeeding. The statistics are shocking for the UKs
health. Breastfed children as less likely to be obese and have stronger immune
systems.
In countries
like Scandinavian around 98% are breastfed, in Canada
89%, in Australia
92%. This webpage shows charts of how poor UK figures are for breastfeeding
compared to these other countries. I have to think these countries offer belter
maternity leave.
IMV if the Scottish government want to
really deal with poverty and inequality the first route is through health and
then education.
http://kellymom.com/fun/trivia/bf-rates-2004/
My daughter
works in Pediatrics - and she says the problem is that new mothers are sent
home from hospital almost immediately (unless they ask to stay longer) and are
offered NO advice at all often on looking after their baby. It is no wonder
there are problems at the first 6 week check up for baby! Some mothers are only
feeding their babies every 6 hours! Many babies need fed every 3 hours
depending on their weight! Oh dear. Surely some small amount of advice would go
a very long way to give new mothers important advice on looking after their
babies.
There is support and advice for new mothers.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/breastfeeding-help-support.aspx#close