In this blog we will be focusing on breastfeeding support available for mothers and families.
During the first six months, babies can receive all the energy and nutrients they require for breastmilk or their first infant formula. Weaning, or complementary feeding, starts when baby is around 6 months old, when baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.
Here at Early Start Nutrition we want to ensure that all families are supported on their breastfeeding journey. As a mum, you may be exclusively breastfeeding or offering a mixture of breastmilk and first infant formula. Many mums will also want to exclusively offer first infant formula to their little one and we have additional information on offering first infant formula (opens in new tab).
What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby and Mum?
- Breastfeeding has some of the most wide-reaching and long-lasting effects on a baby’s health and development
- Breastmilk is tailor-made for babies and contains all the nutrients they need*
- It contains lots of antibodies which help to protect babies from infections such as gastrointestinal (stomach) upsets and respiratory (chest) infections
- Breastfeeding reduces a mothers risk of pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding has been cited by the World Cancer Research Fund as one of 10 recommendations in reducing the risk of cancer
- Breastfeeding women are at reduced risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and post-menopausal hip fractures – studies suggest the longer women breastfeed, the greater their protection
- It helps the mother and baby to form a bond.
New mums
It may take a while to feel confident to breastfeed and it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Various support is available to you, including that provided by your midwifes and health visitor/s.
There may also be locally trained volunteers (peer supporters) to help get breast off to a good start.
You can meet your health visitor face to face at baby clinics or speak to them in between appointments by giving them a call.
Children’s Centres often have local breastfeeding groups. You can check for your local one via the NHS website (opens in new tab).
There are lots of organisations that you can call for support. Let’s take a look:
Breastfeeding support helplines: you can use the following helpline numbers and websites to get support and advice from trained professionals:
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm 365 days a year) or nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk
- La Leche League: 0345 120 2918 or laleche.org.uk (opens in new tab)
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300 330 0700 or nct.org.uk (opens in new tab)
- The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300 456 2421
- Newham Baby Feeding Helpline: 07534249611 (Newham families only) (opens in new tab)
- Hackney Breastfeeding Support (opens in new tab)
Returning to work
If you are returning to work and would like to continue breastfeeding baby there is lots of support available that can help you to prepare for this.
You may like to express breast milk to provide to your childcare provider or to breastfeed before and after work/nursery. Even just a few breastfeeds a day will provide the baby with valuable nutrients and protective factors for both you and baby.
Start4Life has a really useful booklet containing lots of top tips ‘breastfeeding after returning to work or study’ (opens in new tab).
24/7 breast feeding support via Start for Life
You can also speak to a breastfeeding support worker through an online chat portal via the Better Health Start for Life website (opens in new tab) for breastfeeding support, advice and information.
There are also lots of free support networks available, including the Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life on Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger.
Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life on Amazon Alexa
If you have any breastfeeding questions – the Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life on Amazon Alexa (opens in new tab) (available 24⁄7) has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you.
Start for Life Breastfeeding Chatbot on Facebook messenger
If you have any breastfeeding questions – the Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend chatbot (opens in new tab) (via Facebook messenger) has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you.
Sign up for the Start for Life pregnancy, baby and toddler guide
Start for Life weekly emails include expert advice, videos, tips and information on pregnancy, birth and beyond. Sign up for Start for Life emails today. (opens in new tab)
Thinking ahead…
Don’t forget that our team have lots of free support for families around the introduction of solid foods!
This 45 minute webinar will support parents on their weaning journey. We’ll cover topics such as, when to introduce solid foods, what types of foods to offer and how to support your baby at mealtimes.
Feeding your Baby in the First Year course
This interactive course has been created for families who are about to begin their baby’s exciting food journey! This course will help to answer questions such as: when to start, what foods to offer and how much is enough. You’ll also find lots of helpful resources, such as recipes, videos and tip sheets, to help you give your baby the best start in life.
