The Green Handbook

THE GREEN HANDBOOK
Feeding Baby
by Jill Asher
Suppose a new ‘miracle food’ was
developed for babies, providing
all their nutritional needs as
well as protection against infections
and disease. Would parents go for it?
This miracle food is, of course,
already freely available. Breastmilk
provides everything that babies need
to grow and develop. In a myriad of
different ways, it also protects the
immune system, nurtures a healthy
gut and provides the optimal start for
a healthy life.
Local statistics are sobering. Nearly
40% of babies born in Dumfries
and Galloway in the past 12 months
had no breastmilk at all. Of the 60%
of new mothers who started out
breastfeeding, about half had stopped
completely within 6-8 weeks. With
75% of babies receiving all or some
of their milk as formula by the time
they are only two months old, bottle
feeding has effectively become the
norm. A far cry from The World Health
Organisation (who) recommendation
of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding,
then continued alongside food for at
least 2 years.
This is complex and emotionally
tricky territory. I know that many who
read this will not have had a happy
experience or will know someone
for whom breastfeeding did not go
well. This is no judgement on them –
breastfeeding support has been very
limited over the past 60 years and we
are still catching up with that.
My aim is for more of us, not just
new mothers, to gain confidence in
breastfeeding. We can all potentially
be vital members of the support
team. New parents benefit from
realistic expectations and adequate
preparation – learning about baby
instincts and about how breastmilk is
made for example. Patience, practice
and determination have enabled
many mothers to get through the first
whirlwind weeks. Having a supportive
team around them and knowing
where to get help at any stage can also
make a big difference.
When we know better, we can do
better…. Let’s enable more local
babies to benefit from the wonder
food that is breastmilk, and more
mothers to enjoy this most natural
human activity.
Connecting families
across Dumfries & Galloway
On Facebook @BumpBabyandBeyondDumfriesandGalloway
Jill Asher is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant
Based in Dumfries, she welcomes all
queries around breastfeeding issues
jillasher.co.uk
facebook: Jill Asher Breastfeeding
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