This week (21 – 27 June) is breastfeeding celebration week, an annual event raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mums and babies. This year the theme is encouraging the wider family to support with breastfeeding.
Every breastfeeding journey is unique and partners and wider family play an important role in supporting those who choose to breastfeed and lack of support and information is often one of the main reasons given for stopping breastfeeding.
Infant feeding coordinator at Newcastle Hospitals Lynne McDonald outlines some of the ways partners and the wider family can offer breastfeeding support. She said: “Family and friends often ask how they can help when a baby is being breastfed and the best advice I can give is to offer practical and emotional help. Mums tell us they don’t want to be told they can always give up and give a bottle if they’re finding it hard, sometimes they want someone to sit and listen to them and tell them they’re doing a great job – no matter how difficult their feeding journey is.
“Some people find breastfeeding enjoyable from the start, for other is can be tough but most problems can be resolved with time and support.”
With the support of the team at Newcastle Hospitals, Lucy Hart and her wife Jesse Ward were both able to breastfed their son Jonny who is now eight months old. Their shared experience gave them a unique insight into how the other might be feeling however they both had very different feeing journeys and here they share some of the things they found helpful while feeding their son.
Lucy said “We both had those times where we thought this is too hard and I can’t do it but for anyone, having a supportive partner or family member who is able to just be there is so helpful.”
Jesse adds: “I would say communication is key – keeping those lines of communication open, being honest when things are difficult and just being there offering support and compassion.”
When it comes to the more practical tips hydration is key, “Drink, drink, drink” says Lucy, “The times that I found feeding difficult it was because I hadn’t had enough to drink but I’d say to anyone who has a partner who is breastfeeding that making sure they just have everything they need, a drink or something to eat is so important – it’s those little things that make things easier.”
Support from partners, friends and family is an important part of any breastfeeding journey however partners and family members often worry they won’t bond with the baby when they are being breastfed. There are lots of other ways to build up a relationship with a new baby as Lynne explains: “Try reading a story, listening to music – even teach them the off-side rule in football! If you enjoy what you are doing together, they will too! Taking them out for a walk to the park so mum can get some sleep can be your special time together.
Don’t forget midwives and health visitors are always available for extra support and advice too – we really do want to help!”
The Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative has developed a range of resources to support parents and includes information on building strong relationships and myth busting. You can find out more here.
If family and friends want to learn more about Breastfeeding there is information available on the trust website or they could think about a short easy online course with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.
It is known that breastfeeding is hugely beneficial to both mum and baby and its never too early to start thinking about how to feed your baby. You do not have to make up your mind until your baby is born but NHS England has outlined some of the known benefits of breastfeeding;
- your breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
- breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
- breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
- breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
- breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby
Formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness and does not give you any health benefits.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby
Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood.
Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding can help to reduce your baby’s risk of:
- infections, with fewer visits to hospital as a result
- diarrhoea and vomiting, with fewer visits to hospital as a result
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- obesity
- cardiovascular disease in adulthood
Some studies have also found that breastfeeding for at least 6 months may reduce your baby’s chance of getting childhood leukaemia. But more research is needed into this.
Giving nothing but breast milk is recommended for about the first 6 months (26 weeks) of your baby’s life.
After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside solid foods for as long as you and your baby want will help them grow and develop healthily.
Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby’s changing needs.
Health benefits of breastfeeding for you
Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:
- breast cancer
- ovarian cancer
- osteoporosis (weak bones)
- cardiovascular disease
- obesity
Every feeding journey is different and support is available to anyone who needs it. No question is ever too small.
