World Breastfeeding Week – three top tips from our experts | News

We’re joining others across the globe next week, for World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August) to share advice, tips and support to help with personal journeys. At BWC we have a dedicated Infant Feeding team that are by the sides of families helping with their feeding choices. 

In the UK, more than 73 per cent of mothers start breastfeeding with most choosing because of the benefits which include:

 

• 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 at the right temperature.
• Breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby.
• It can lower your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
• Breastfeeding is free, so it saves money whereas infant formula, sterilising equipment and feeding equipment can be costly.

 

Here’s our expert team’s three top tips:

 

1. Skin-to-skin for all babies, at any time, provides endless benefits, before, during and after breastfeeding.

 

Skin-to-skin is important for the development for babies. We call this ‘Kangaroo Care’ and doing this for at least one hour a day, or for as long as your baby is comfortable with, can have significant benefits, strengthening your bond with your baby and make breastfeeding more seamless.

 

Cuddling and holding your baby often, helps your little one to gather information about touch and how to respond to this, supporting neurological development. For babies in the Neonatal Unit, holding your baby also improves oxygen saturation and reduces cortisol (stress) levels, helping them to start breastfeeding at a quicker rate. A calmer, happier baby is easier to breastfeed and is more likely to latch.

 

1. Your breastmilk constantly adapts to meet your baby's need. It changes every minute, hour, and day. Your breastmilk naturally adapts to your baby's needs with time. Your infant’s saliva transfers chemicals to your body, which causes breastmilk to adjust to meet the changing need of your growing baby.

 

The process is natural, however there are certain things you can avoid ensuring optimal health for your baby’s breastmilk, such as moderating alcohol and caffeine intake. You can feed your baby as often and for as long as they want. Expressing breast milk after feeds once breastfeeding is established will help build up your own supply.

 

1. You can also offer both breasts and alternate. Breast milk health benefits can be lifelong

for you and your baby. The more your baby has the more health benefits there is.

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, there are different benefits to both formula, breastfeeding and combination feeding and you have the freedom to make that choice for your little one.

 

Want to learn more? Speak with your antenatal midwife or get in touch with your dedicated Infant Feeding team.

Stay tuned for more World Breast Feeding Week content across August.