Breastfeeding benefits your baby and the benefits last into childhood and beyond
During COVID-19 breastfeeding groups are suspended. If you’d like support you can ask for an Attend Anywhere appointment. Contact Barbara Jessop on 07775227121 or find out more in the COVID-19 breastfeeding support groups leaflet.
Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed your baby, providing all the nutrients babies need for healthy growth for the first 6 months of their life.
The evidence shows that breast milk contains many protective benefits for babies , your breastmilk is made specifically for your baby and changes to meet their growing needs. Breastfeeding has significant health benefits for mothers too; it is convenient , saves money and helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight.
It can help develop close and loving relationships between babies and mothers and protects the environment and benefits our wider society.
Small changes can make a big difference
Breastfeeding is something you and your baby learn to do together. Learning to look after a new baby takes time and it can take time to become confident with feeding. Most issues can be resolved by making small changes. There’s advice on how to breastfeed and getting started on the Parent Club website that can help you.
- Common challenges: Some Mum’s may experience some challenges with breastfeeding. To help you through this there are lots of tips available for overcoming these.
- Looking after yourself is important when breastfeeding. Find out more about getting into a routine with breastfeeding, breastfeeding at night, and breastfeeding diet and alcohol on the Parent club website.
- Continuing breastfeeding: After 6 months babies need food as well as milk, but breast milk is still important during the first 2 years of your baby's life and beyond. The Parent Club can provide you with advice around weaning and breastfeeding, going back to work and breastfeeding, and with other tips for carrying on breastfeeding.
Further support and resources
- BiBs is the breastfeeding support service in the Borders. You can ask your Midwife or Health Visitor if you’d like to be supported by one of the volunteer peers, who will contact you first by phone or text and can arrange to meet with you to support your breastfeeding journey. Find out about local breastfeeding support in the Borders during COVID-19 here.
- There are a number of breastfeeding support groups in the Borders. To find your nearest breastfeeding support group click this link and enter your postcode.
- You can also follow NHS Borders Bumps, Babies and Beyond on Facebook for more information about breastfeeding and other support.
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers non judgmental, independent, evidence based, mother centred breastfeeding information, support and reassurance. Whether you want to breastfeed for one day, one week, one month, one year or more, we're here for you. All calls are answered by volunteers - all are mums who have breastfed, and all have been highly trained by the Breastfeeding Network or the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. The helpline is open on 0300 100 0212 every single day of the year, 9.30am-9.30pm. A webchat service is also available here.
- The Baby Friendly Initiative from UNICEF provides information and support for both the public and health professionals on infant feeding. The Baby Friendly Initiative aims to ensure all parents are equipped to make informed decisions about feeding their babies and are supported in their chosen feeding method.