Saturday, 27 February 2010
oops!
Ooops the Bristol mum on the bus apparently made the story up! Nice to know that Bristolians have common sense after all!
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Breastfeeding in public
You may have seen the front page of the Evening Post today with an article about a mother who was ordered off a bus for breastfeeding her 6 week old baby (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/ ). The mother, Amy, was feeding her baby, Emily, on a crowded bus when the bus driver said there had been a complaint of indecent exposure and that she needed to leave the bus. When she refused he threatened to call the police and she was left in the rain.
It is unbelievable that anyone could view breastfeeding as indecent exposure, but it is a sad reminder that some people do hold such confused opinions.
Babies have a right to receive human milk when they need it. Human milk is a drink, food and vital comfort rolled in to one. Mothers who respond to their baby's needs in this way should be congratulated rather than made to feel an outcast.
In fact, it has been illegal to ask a mother to stop breastfeeding a baby of any age in public for more than 30 years, and a while ago Barbara Follett, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, wrote to La Leche League to clarify a woman's right to breastfeed in public. In her letter she said:
‘Like most people, the Government believes that breast is best for babies. That is why we are doing everything we can to encourage mothers to breastfeed and to make sure that they are aware of its benefits.
But, for many mothers, the uncertainty surrounding where they can breastfeed is a real deterrent. Babies do not get hungry to order and mothers have to be confident that they can feed their infants in a café, restaurant or shop without the embarrassment of having the owner ask them to stop. In fact, this type of discrimination has been unlawful for women with babies of any age for more than thirty years, and the mother could challenge the owner under the Sex Discrimination Act. We strengthened this Act with extra 'maternity' protection, which means that if the baby is less than six months old the mother could also challenge the owner on the grounds of her maternity. Some people also think that women can be charged with indecency for breastfeeding in a public place. This is, I am glad to say, utter nonsense and completely wrong.
But, as you can see from the above, the law is not as clear as it could be. People are unsure of their rights and their responsibilities in this area. That is why the Government will be using its forthcoming Equality Bill to make it crystal clear that it is simply not acceptable to shoo breastfeeding mothers and their babies out of places like coffee shops, public galleries and restaurants. We hope that this will give women complete confidence that the law is on their side when they are breastfeeding their babies.’
I hope this has cleared any doubts anyone may have had about breastfeeding in public. Remember that the vast majority of people see it as the wonderful, life giving thing that it is and fully support us breastfeeding mums.
It is unbelievable that anyone could view breastfeeding as indecent exposure, but it is a sad reminder that some people do hold such confused opinions.
Babies have a right to receive human milk when they need it. Human milk is a drink, food and vital comfort rolled in to one. Mothers who respond to their baby's needs in this way should be congratulated rather than made to feel an outcast.
In fact, it has been illegal to ask a mother to stop breastfeeding a baby of any age in public for more than 30 years, and a while ago Barbara Follett, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, wrote to La Leche League to clarify a woman's right to breastfeed in public. In her letter she said:
‘Like most people, the Government believes that breast is best for babies. That is why we are doing everything we can to encourage mothers to breastfeed and to make sure that they are aware of its benefits.
But, for many mothers, the uncertainty surrounding where they can breastfeed is a real deterrent. Babies do not get hungry to order and mothers have to be confident that they can feed their infants in a café, restaurant or shop without the embarrassment of having the owner ask them to stop. In fact, this type of discrimination has been unlawful for women with babies of any age for more than thirty years, and the mother could challenge the owner under the Sex Discrimination Act. We strengthened this Act with extra 'maternity' protection, which means that if the baby is less than six months old the mother could also challenge the owner on the grounds of her maternity. Some people also think that women can be charged with indecency for breastfeeding in a public place. This is, I am glad to say, utter nonsense and completely wrong.
But, as you can see from the above, the law is not as clear as it could be. People are unsure of their rights and their responsibilities in this area. That is why the Government will be using its forthcoming Equality Bill to make it crystal clear that it is simply not acceptable to shoo breastfeeding mothers and their babies out of places like coffee shops, public galleries and restaurants. We hope that this will give women complete confidence that the law is on their side when they are breastfeeding their babies.’
I hope this has cleared any doubts anyone may have had about breastfeeding in public. Remember that the vast majority of people see it as the wonderful, life giving thing that it is and fully support us breastfeeding mums.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Beginning breastfeeding
Thanks to those who came to the last meeting and shared their ideas for getting breastfeeding started off well. It was lovely to hear your experiences and plans for the forthcoming births. We discussed skin-to-skin contact and 'biological nurturing'. More information can be found at www.biologicalnurturing.com
There are great tear off sheets and leaflets available to buy from the La Leche League GB website covering many topics including positioning your baby at the breast, avoiding sore nipples and adjusting to motherhood. There is a great 'New Mum's' pack of leaflets that is highly recommended. Don't forget the Frequently Asked Questions section of www.llli.org which covers everything you might need to know in the middle of the night!
love Charlie
There are great tear off sheets and leaflets available to buy from the La Leche League GB website covering many topics including positioning your baby at the breast, avoiding sore nipples and adjusting to motherhood. There is a great 'New Mum's' pack of leaflets that is highly recommended. Don't forget the Frequently Asked Questions section of www.llli.org which covers everything you might need to know in the middle of the night!
love Charlie
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Next meeting and food
I'm looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting at my house on Wednesday and hearing your thoughts on getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
Bring some food to share, if you can. But I have a request too: as some of you already know, my baby Theo has lots of allergies, so I would really appreciate it if you could avoid bringing peanuts or humous along, though, as they are potentially dangerous to him. He is allergic to many other things too, so if you could watch little ones while they eat and clear up and spills or crumbs afterwards, this would be really helpful.
Many thanks!
Charlie
Bring some food to share, if you can. But I have a request too: as some of you already know, my baby Theo has lots of allergies, so I would really appreciate it if you could avoid bringing peanuts or humous along, though, as they are potentially dangerous to him. He is allergic to many other things too, so if you could watch little ones while they eat and clear up and spills or crumbs afterwards, this would be really helpful.
Many thanks!
Charlie
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
The Food Of Love
I recently attended a talk and slide show by author and cartoonist Kate Evans on her book 'The Food Of Love'. It was hilarious and heartening and the cartoons cover every possible eventuality for the breastfeeding mother. Here is a link to her cartoon on co-sleeping http://www.thefoodoflove.org/breastfeed-in-your-sleep.htm
'The Food of Love' is a new addition to our library too, so you can borrow it if you would like to see more. I also like her 'Mama Sutra' ...
'The Food of Love' is a new addition to our library too, so you can borrow it if you would like to see more. I also like her 'Mama Sutra' ...
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
STOP PRESS - CHANGE TO MEETING LOCATION
CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION - the meeting tomorrow, Wed 13 Jan, will now be held at Charlie's house:
39 Hamilton Rd, Southville, BS2 1PA
because Lorraine's house is so difficult to reach in the icy conditions. Ring 0117 939 3028 for directions. Same timings: 10.15am to 12pm. See you there! Charlie
39 Hamilton Rd, Southville, BS2 1PA
because Lorraine's house is so difficult to reach in the icy conditions. Ring 0117 939 3028 for directions. Same timings: 10.15am to 12pm. See you there! Charlie
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Full term breastfeeding
There was an article in the Guardian yesterday (09.10.10) about breastfeeding beyond babyhood. The article was based on an interview with Ann Sinnott on her new book Breastfeeding Older Children and you can read it here http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/09/breastfeeding-older-children
I felt that the article just focused on a very few extreme cases and perpetuated the usual view in our culture of breastfeeding as an out of control impulse by children that must be quashed by the adults in their lives. It also trotted out the usual myths of women breastfeeding to 'satisfy their own needs' and views of it being distasteful and weird. The author stated that breastfeeding is a biological imperative to feed as often - and as long - as possible. She didn't mention what happens in the vast majority of cases in the normal course of breastfeeding, so I thought I would fill in some of the missing facts. Here is what The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding says on the subject:
'Why do mothers begin worrying about ending breastfeeding almost as soon as they've started? No doubt there are many reasons, but we suspect that not the least among them is the fact that society often expects babies to be weaned early. Mothers and uneasy about the thought that their babies might still be nursing after everyone expects them to be weaned from the breast.
We don't agree with society's attitudes about early weaning. We believe that ideally the breastfeeding relationship should continue until the baby outgrows the need.
One mother who had weaned because of criticsm from others, had this to say about her decision: "I let pressure from people prematurely end one of the most meaningful experiences I have had with my son...I wish I had it to do all over again now that I am more sure of myself." '
The facts are that human milk continues to provide special benefits for a baby as long as he is breastfed. The immunological benefits are matched by the unique way that breastfeeding can satisfy emotional needs. The breastfeeding relationship changes as the child gets older and the role of responding to the child's need for love and affection takes over from a baby's need for food. At some point, usually gradually, the baby's dependence on mother lessens and he takes steps out in to the world. When a baby does not wean by around a year a mother may worry that this means he is too dependent on her and fear that she is stopping him from growing independent. The Womanly Art again:
'But weaning is a step toward growing up and, like walking or talking, a child takes these steps according to his own timetable. All children stop nursing sooner or later. Some have the need to continue the nursing relationship longer than others - but they do grow out of it eventually. And still they do not become overly dependent. We have been reassured on this point many times over because we have observed first hand hundreds of babies who were considered "late weaners".'
The article shows up the prejudices in society that still surround breastfeeding, but hearteningly it also quotes very supportive comments from husbands and partners of the breastfeeding mothers. Also, the comments added to the article online have been overwhelmingly positive and enlightened.
For research on natural weaning age see this article by Katherine Dettwyler: www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html Her research is detailed in the book 'Breastfeeding: Biocultural Perspectives' which you can borrow from our library.
To read about the situation from a mother's own persective, see this article written by Annalisa Barbieri about breastfeeding her 4 year old, which was sent to me by Lorraine: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/why-i-still-breastfeed-my-fouryearold-400171.html
My favourite term is 'full term breastfeeding' which seems more approprate than 'extended' or 'long term'. What do you think?
If you are breastfeeding a toddler then come along to our toddler coffee mornings (see Meetings for dates and venues) and share your experiences and views with other mums in the same situation.
I felt that the article just focused on a very few extreme cases and perpetuated the usual view in our culture of breastfeeding as an out of control impulse by children that must be quashed by the adults in their lives. It also trotted out the usual myths of women breastfeeding to 'satisfy their own needs' and views of it being distasteful and weird. The author stated that breastfeeding is a biological imperative to feed as often - and as long - as possible. She didn't mention what happens in the vast majority of cases in the normal course of breastfeeding, so I thought I would fill in some of the missing facts. Here is what The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding says on the subject:
'Why do mothers begin worrying about ending breastfeeding almost as soon as they've started? No doubt there are many reasons, but we suspect that not the least among them is the fact that society often expects babies to be weaned early. Mothers and uneasy about the thought that their babies might still be nursing after everyone expects them to be weaned from the breast.
We don't agree with society's attitudes about early weaning. We believe that ideally the breastfeeding relationship should continue until the baby outgrows the need.
One mother who had weaned because of criticsm from others, had this to say about her decision: "I let pressure from people prematurely end one of the most meaningful experiences I have had with my son...I wish I had it to do all over again now that I am more sure of myself." '
The facts are that human milk continues to provide special benefits for a baby as long as he is breastfed. The immunological benefits are matched by the unique way that breastfeeding can satisfy emotional needs. The breastfeeding relationship changes as the child gets older and the role of responding to the child's need for love and affection takes over from a baby's need for food. At some point, usually gradually, the baby's dependence on mother lessens and he takes steps out in to the world. When a baby does not wean by around a year a mother may worry that this means he is too dependent on her and fear that she is stopping him from growing independent. The Womanly Art again:
'But weaning is a step toward growing up and, like walking or talking, a child takes these steps according to his own timetable. All children stop nursing sooner or later. Some have the need to continue the nursing relationship longer than others - but they do grow out of it eventually. And still they do not become overly dependent. We have been reassured on this point many times over because we have observed first hand hundreds of babies who were considered "late weaners".'
The article shows up the prejudices in society that still surround breastfeeding, but hearteningly it also quotes very supportive comments from husbands and partners of the breastfeeding mothers. Also, the comments added to the article online have been overwhelmingly positive and enlightened.
For research on natural weaning age see this article by Katherine Dettwyler: www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html Her research is detailed in the book 'Breastfeeding: Biocultural Perspectives' which you can borrow from our library.
To read about the situation from a mother's own persective, see this article written by Annalisa Barbieri about breastfeeding her 4 year old, which was sent to me by Lorraine: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/why-i-still-breastfeed-my-fouryearold-400171.html
My favourite term is 'full term breastfeeding' which seems more approprate than 'extended' or 'long term'. What do you think?
If you are breastfeeding a toddler then come along to our toddler coffee mornings (see Meetings for dates and venues) and share your experiences and views with other mums in the same situation.
Breastfeeding in the snow
Hope you are enjoying the cold snap. Lucas has been sliding down the road outside our house on baking trays and loving it! Lots of the neighbours are out and all the children are playing together. It would be great if they could always play together outside this way. I am thinking of ways of reclaiming the streets for the important job of playing, let me know what you think...
The feeling of being snowed in can be fun for a bit, but there are plenty of scary tales around of friends being stuck in cars with their babies for ages (9hrs in one case). The breastfeeding mums have such an advantage in this case and don't have to deal with the awful situation of a hungry baby. Here is a link to La Leche's advice on breastfeeding in an emergency http://www.llli.org/FAQ/emergency.html
The feeling of being snowed in can be fun for a bit, but there are plenty of scary tales around of friends being stuck in cars with their babies for ages (9hrs in one case). The breastfeeding mums have such an advantage in this case and don't have to deal with the awful situation of a hungry baby. Here is a link to La Leche's advice on breastfeeding in an emergency http://www.llli.org/FAQ/emergency.html
Friday, 18 December 2009
Alcohol and breastfeeding
Seasonal Indulgences:
You may well get questions about alcohol at this time of year. Here is useful information –
You may well get questions about alcohol at this time of year. Here is useful information –
- alcohol passes freely in and out of b/milk
- it takes 2-3 hours for alcohol in one serving of beer or wine to be eliminated from an 8.5 stone woman
- it takes 13 hours for alcohol from the end of a session of drinking to be eliminated from a 8.5 stone woman
- babies are not put off by alcoholic taste
- alcohol doesn’t make babies sleep more, it can produce changes in baby’s sleep pattern which may mean less sleep overall
- alcohol peaks in b/milk 30-60 minutes after drinking on empty stomach, peaks 60-90 minutes if drunk with food
The effects of alcohol on baby are directly related to the amount a mum consumes,
therefore the occasional drink, or regular light drinking (1 or less drinks daily) present no harm to a nursing baby. Tip for mums – consider the timing of your breastfeed: have a good b/feed, then have your drink to give time for a gap between drinking and the next nursing.
All of this information is also to be considered in relation to the age of the baby – newborns with more immature livers are more susceptible than an older baby who may go a little longer between feeds or also be on solids.
Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate (similar to caffeine in its effects) may cause symptoms of over-stimulation – wide-eyed, fussy, active, alert, but moderate consumption doesn’t usually cause any problems for b/fed babies. So do enjoy your choccy!
Nicotine is a different story, although even here you have to be a pretty heavy smoker (more than 20 daily) for this to cause significant problems for breastfeeding. So it’s always better to breastfeed than not, even if you do smoke. Nicotine does reduce prolactin levels, the milk-making hormone, which results in the creamy portion of the milk being almost 20% less in the milk of smokers. If a mum is using nicotine gum, she’s cautioned to leave 2-3 hours after using a gum product before breastfeeding because the gum produces variable levels of nicotine plasma, whereas nicotine levels are more consistently lower for patch users. Women who smoke are at greater risk of developing breast abscess.
All of this sounds a bit of a kill-joy, but don’t let it be! – enjoy the odd drink, munch on the goodies, watch out that you’re not doing too much just because it’s Christmas (always a risk for mastitis), and feed the baby!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Festive fever
Hi everyone
I enjoyed seeing you at the last meeting and hearing all your plans and ideas for enjoying / surviving the Christmas holidays. I vere from the no sugar approach to the laissez faire approach from day to day as Christmas madness sets in.
As we talked about at the meeting; looking out for our own needs (for quiet space, for a supportive phone call with a sympathetic friend, for regular slow burning snacks) together with those of our baby or child (not missing or postponing feeds, giving quiet time when needed, respecting a child's rhythms within the chaos) is the aim over the Christmas holidays, but however hard we try, we sometimes get blown off course and it is easy to miss a feed or go a little longer between them and find a blocked duct has developed. If this happens, remember to act quickly by resting, applying heat and feeding frequently. This seemingly simple approach is very effective in avoiding mastitis if done soon enough. More information can be found at: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/mastitis.html
As well as mastitis calls to the LLL Helpline at the time of year, we leaders are expecting calls from mums who are dealing with conflicting advice from family members or friends that they see over the holidays, and whose mothering approaches may differ from our own. If you are feeling less than supported, or would like ideas on how to deflect criticism over the Christmas turkey, then check out: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/criticism.html
Keep checking the blog for the upcoming new meeting titles, dates and NEW locations. These will also all be in the newsletter which will come out early in the New Year.
I look forward to seeing you in January and hearing your festive tales. Charlie x
I enjoyed seeing you at the last meeting and hearing all your plans and ideas for enjoying / surviving the Christmas holidays. I vere from the no sugar approach to the laissez faire approach from day to day as Christmas madness sets in.
As we talked about at the meeting; looking out for our own needs (for quiet space, for a supportive phone call with a sympathetic friend, for regular slow burning snacks) together with those of our baby or child (not missing or postponing feeds, giving quiet time when needed, respecting a child's rhythms within the chaos) is the aim over the Christmas holidays, but however hard we try, we sometimes get blown off course and it is easy to miss a feed or go a little longer between them and find a blocked duct has developed. If this happens, remember to act quickly by resting, applying heat and feeding frequently. This seemingly simple approach is very effective in avoiding mastitis if done soon enough. More information can be found at: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/mastitis.html
As well as mastitis calls to the LLL Helpline at the time of year, we leaders are expecting calls from mums who are dealing with conflicting advice from family members or friends that they see over the holidays, and whose mothering approaches may differ from our own. If you are feeling less than supported, or would like ideas on how to deflect criticism over the Christmas turkey, then check out: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/criticism.html
Keep checking the blog for the upcoming new meeting titles, dates and NEW locations. These will also all be in the newsletter which will come out early in the New Year.
I look forward to seeing you in January and hearing your festive tales. Charlie x
Saturday, 17 October 2009
There's a breastfed baby in your life
It was great to see you at the last meeting about making way for the breastfed baby in your life and to hear your tips for how to fit eating, shopping and having a bit of time for ourselves into life with a breastfed baby.
The book Baby Wisdom by Deborah Jackson has lots of ideas for how parents around the world manage a baby's needs whilst getting on with their lives, and it is easy to dip in and out of if you have only a little time.
Thanks to all of you who donated and shopped for La Leche, and with a few additional sales at the last meeting, our fundraising total is now nearly £140!
The book Baby Wisdom by Deborah Jackson has lots of ideas for how parents around the world manage a baby's needs whilst getting on with their lives, and it is easy to dip in and out of if you have only a little time.
Thanks to all of you who donated and shopped for La Leche, and with a few additional sales at the last meeting, our fundraising total is now nearly £140!
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Fundraiser update
Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to our Fundraiser last Saturday. It was also great to see so many of you on the day. With your help we managed to raise over £100! We are really pleased with this amount, especially because there was so much else happening on that day that the sale was a bit quieter than usual.
There are still some lovely baby clothes left over and a few maternity clothes too, so these will be on sale at the next meeting at my house on Wed 14 October.
There are still some lovely baby clothes left over and a few maternity clothes too, so these will be on sale at the next meeting at my house on Wed 14 October.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Forthcoming fundraiser
Everyone is invited to a fundraiser for La Leche League on Saturday 12 September, 10am to 2pm, at a Car Boot Sale at The Southville Centre, Beauley Rd, Southville. All profits will go to support LLL Bristol. So we need your help - have a clear out and pass on to us any items that we could sell (clothes, toys, books, household things etc) or make us up your favourite recipe - everything you can give us will be very much appreciated!
Anything you have to donate can be dropped off beforehand at either Charlie's house (39 Hamilton Rd, Southville) or April's house (53 Zetland Rd, off Gloucester Rd) or you can bring things along on the day of the sale.
The La Leche League table will be in the Beauley Room, which is behind the main hall. We hope to see you there!
Anything you have to donate can be dropped off beforehand at either Charlie's house (39 Hamilton Rd, Southville) or April's house (53 Zetland Rd, off Gloucester Rd) or you can bring things along on the day of the sale.
The La Leche League table will be in the Beauley Room, which is behind the main hall. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
shared lunch
Dear Ladies,
It's almost time to go for me :(
My last meeting will be 8th of July. We thought it would be nice for having a shared lunch after the meeting. So bring something to share with the other mums and babies/ children.
Coby
It's almost time to go for me :(
My last meeting will be 8th of July. We thought it would be nice for having a shared lunch after the meeting. So bring something to share with the other mums and babies/ children.
Coby
Monday, 18 May 2009
Welcome Charlie!!
We've got another leader! Charlie welcome to the group of Bristol leaders. Well done and we hope you enjoy your "new" function.
growing charts
Dear ladies,
I've spoken with some mums about the new growing charts and I've promissed them to put them on the website.
UK-WHO Growth Charts: Early Years
The new UK-WHO growth charts for children from birth to 4 years of age are now available. The charts have been developed as a project undertaken within the Science and Research Department led by Professor Charlotte Wright from University of Glasgow and funded by the Department of Health.
The charts are available in an A4 format and as 6 separate charts for insertion in the Personal Child Heatlh Record (PCHR). There is also a new specialist low birthweight A4 chart for births from 23 weeks gestation .
http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/Research/UK-WHO-Growth-Charts
Coby
I've spoken with some mums about the new growing charts and I've promissed them to put them on the website.
UK-WHO Growth Charts: Early Years
The new UK-WHO growth charts for children from birth to 4 years of age are now available. The charts have been developed as a project undertaken within the Science and Research Department led by Professor Charlotte Wright from University of Glasgow and funded by the Department of Health.
The charts are available in an A4 format and as 6 separate charts for insertion in the Personal Child Heatlh Record (PCHR). There is also a new specialist low birthweight A4 chart for births from 23 weeks gestation .
http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/Research/UK-WHO-Growth-Charts
Coby
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
national breastfeeding awareness week.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week 10 -16 May 2009
Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby
The theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year is support, and the strapline , ‘Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby’, reflects the message that each day a woman continues to breastfeed is another day her child receives important health benefits from its mother. If women receive support - whether it be from a friend or family member, a health professional, or volunteer breastfeeding supporter, they are likely to breastfeed for longer.
Research indicates breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases such as gastro-intestinal infections, ear infections, urine infections, eczema and obesity in later childhood. Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. It can reduce the risk of against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life.
During National Breastfeeding Awareness Week the new UK-World Health Organisation growth charts are being introduced to England for the first time, providing accurate guidance on child growth. The charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health will offer important reassurance for parents of breastfed babies, and will replace current charts that were based on predominately formula fed babies. The new charts will help parents and healthcare professionals identify children at risk of obesity at an early age. The charts are based on measurements of over 7000 children worldwide – selected because they were growing up in healthy circumstances: breast fed children of non smoking mothers, not living in poverty. Research has shown that breastfed babies exhibit a more desirable pattern of growth and are associated with healthier outcomes, including being less likely to become obese in later life.
Features of the new growth charts include a height predictor and a chart specifically for premature infants. For the first time, they will also include parent friendly instructions. In addition to the new growth charts, the Department of Health is extending Breast Buddy, an initiative introduced last year which encourages women to breastfeed for longer by encouraging them to nominate a buddy from within their circle of friends and family to provide practical and emotional support. This is part of the Department of Health’s campaign to address the inequalities that exist in infant feeding practices.
La Leche League GB supports National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. La Leche League is an international nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation which, for over 50 years, has been dedicated to providing education, information and mother-to-mother support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.
LLL Leaders are mothers who have themselves breastfed for 12 months or longer. They provide telephone counselling, email support and local group meetings. They have leaflets on a wide range of breastfeeding questions, information on more unusual situations, access to a Medical Advisory Panel and can often lend out books covering various aspects of pregnancy and child care.
LLL's national telephone helpline (0845 120 2 918 ) connects mothers directly to an accredited Leader, while the organisation' s website (http://www. laleche.org. uk/) includes an online help form to which an individual Leader responds to help each mother directly with her concerns. All our Leaders are volunteers and work from their own homes while looking after their own families.
Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby
The theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year is support, and the strapline , ‘Breastfeeding: every day makes a difference to your baby’, reflects the message that each day a woman continues to breastfeed is another day her child receives important health benefits from its mother. If women receive support - whether it be from a friend or family member, a health professional, or volunteer breastfeeding supporter, they are likely to breastfeed for longer.
Research indicates breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases such as gastro-intestinal infections, ear infections, urine infections, eczema and obesity in later childhood. Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding. It can reduce the risk of against ovarian cancer, breast cancer and weak bones later in life.
During National Breastfeeding Awareness Week the new UK-World Health Organisation growth charts are being introduced to England for the first time, providing accurate guidance on child growth. The charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health will offer important reassurance for parents of breastfed babies, and will replace current charts that were based on predominately formula fed babies. The new charts will help parents and healthcare professionals identify children at risk of obesity at an early age. The charts are based on measurements of over 7000 children worldwide – selected because they were growing up in healthy circumstances: breast fed children of non smoking mothers, not living in poverty. Research has shown that breastfed babies exhibit a more desirable pattern of growth and are associated with healthier outcomes, including being less likely to become obese in later life.
Features of the new growth charts include a height predictor and a chart specifically for premature infants. For the first time, they will also include parent friendly instructions. In addition to the new growth charts, the Department of Health is extending Breast Buddy, an initiative introduced last year which encourages women to breastfeed for longer by encouraging them to nominate a buddy from within their circle of friends and family to provide practical and emotional support. This is part of the Department of Health’s campaign to address the inequalities that exist in infant feeding practices.
La Leche League GB supports National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. La Leche League is an international nonprofit, nonsectarian organisation which, for over 50 years, has been dedicated to providing education, information and mother-to-mother support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.
LLL Leaders are mothers who have themselves breastfed for 12 months or longer. They provide telephone counselling, email support and local group meetings. They have leaflets on a wide range of breastfeeding questions, information on more unusual situations, access to a Medical Advisory Panel and can often lend out books covering various aspects of pregnancy and child care.
LLL's national telephone helpline (0845 120 2 918 ) connects mothers directly to an accredited Leader, while the organisation' s website (http://www. laleche.org. uk/) includes an online help form to which an individual Leader responds to help each mother directly with her concerns. All our Leaders are volunteers and work from their own homes while looking after their own families.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Breastfeeding awareness week
Breastfeeding Awareness Week Get Together
Every year since 1993 the Department of Health has run the Breastfeeding Awareness Week to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding. This year it will run from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 May. If you would like to know more about it check out the NHS website: http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=5&n2=13 or http://tinyurl.com/cvxgvd
We will be celebrating with a gathering in Greville Smythe Park in Southville (Ashton Road, close to North Street) on Tuesday 12 May from 2-4pm. Please come and join us, bring your friends and family and a snack to share if you would like to. If the weather is questionable, then check the website or the yahoo group for further instructions.
Every year since 1993 the Department of Health has run the Breastfeeding Awareness Week to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding. This year it will run from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 May. If you would like to know more about it check out the NHS website: http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=5&n2=13 or http://tinyurl.com/cvxgvd
We will be celebrating with a gathering in Greville Smythe Park in Southville (Ashton Road, close to North Street) on Tuesday 12 May from 2-4pm. Please come and join us, bring your friends and family and a snack to share if you would like to. If the weather is questionable, then check the website or the yahoo group for further instructions.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Friday, 3 April 2009
a taste of the newsletter
The Newsletter
Charlie is busy working on The Newsletter which will come out with May's eletter. If you have any stories about experiences in feeding with special circumstances, birth announcements and other local breastfeeding news do let Charlie know either at one of the meetings or by email, call one of the leaders for her email adres.
Baby Led Weaning Survey
If you would like to help out with some research at the University of Nottingham on Baby Led Weaning please email Dr Ellen Townsend (call on of the leaderrs for her email adres). She is looking for parents of children (currently 20-72 months) who have been weaned using Baby Led Weaning to complete a questionnaires on their experience of BLW and their child's food preferences.
News from the Bristol Precious Drops Campaign - April Whincop
The Bristol Precious Drops campaign organised a zip ride into the Avon Gorge on 28th March. I did it as well as my son Ralph! It was pretty scary stepping off into a very big and high space, and I did fly down at 30 mph - but I'm very proud of myself for doing it! Big congratulations to the Infant Feeding Team at Southmead and Eva Fernandes at Born - as well as lots of others - for doing such a lot of organisation to make the day possible. Let's hope lots of money has been raised for the future milk bank unit.
Ed note: Well done April and Ralph! We are now seeing a more adventurous side of you we didn't know existed!
Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Breastfeeding Awareness Week is the second week of May, but as yet we have no firm plans as we are still discussing a venue. We will let you know in the next eletter what we are doing in time to be able to make plans to participate.
If you are interested in the whole newsletter, please join the yahoogroup for free, at the left side of this website.
Charlie is busy working on The Newsletter which will come out with May's eletter. If you have any stories about experiences in feeding with special circumstances, birth announcements and other local breastfeeding news do let Charlie know either at one of the meetings or by email, call one of the leaders for her email adres.
Baby Led Weaning Survey
If you would like to help out with some research at the University of Nottingham on Baby Led Weaning please email Dr Ellen Townsend (call on of the leaderrs for her email adres). She is looking for parents of children (currently 20-72 months) who have been weaned using Baby Led Weaning to complete a questionnaires on their experience of BLW and their child's food preferences.
News from the Bristol Precious Drops Campaign - April Whincop
The Bristol Precious Drops campaign organised a zip ride into the Avon Gorge on 28th March. I did it as well as my son Ralph! It was pretty scary stepping off into a very big and high space, and I did fly down at 30 mph - but I'm very proud of myself for doing it! Big congratulations to the Infant Feeding Team at Southmead and Eva Fernandes at Born - as well as lots of others - for doing such a lot of organisation to make the day possible. Let's hope lots of money has been raised for the future milk bank unit.
Ed note: Well done April and Ralph! We are now seeing a more adventurous side of you we didn't know existed!
Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Breastfeeding Awareness Week is the second week of May, but as yet we have no firm plans as we are still discussing a venue. We will let you know in the next eletter what we are doing in time to be able to make plans to participate.
If you are interested in the whole newsletter, please join the yahoogroup for free, at the left side of this website.
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