Breastfeeding still the best option for your baby

May 14 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

EVENTS have been held in West Lothian to mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

The week which runs until Saturday, May 16, aims to show how partners, grandparents, extended family and friends can help new mothers with feeding in the early days.

NHS Lothian is a strong supporter of breastfeeding as the best way to ensure your child is given a good start in life.

Maria Wilson, chief midwife for NHS Lothian, said: “Breastfeeding offers the best possible start to newborn babies and helps protect them against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood.

“We also know that there is often a lot of pressure on new mums to breastfeed, and the first few months can be a difficult time. It’s really important that women are not afraid to ask for support to help make breastfeeding work for them.”

There is evidence to suggest that breastfeeding can help protect mothers against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life.

NHS Lothian has a number of infant feeding advisers in the community and in hospitals.

The West Lothian Breast Friends scheme, where mums who have breastfed give advice to new mums, has also been successful.

Among the events which have taken place were awareness events being held at the Almondvale Shopping Centre, and a poster presentation at the Baby Clinic in Armadale on Tuesday.

An information stall will be set up at the Strathbrock Centre in Broxburn tomorrow (Friday) and today (Thursday) there will be a prize presentation in Whitburn Health Centre following an art competition with the primary seven pupils of St Joseph’s Primary School.

Maria Wilson added: “By holding a series of events for Breastfeeding Awareness Week we hope to create informal places where new mums and mums-to-be can get advice and support on starting and maintaining breastfeeding.”