“It’s true breast is best, it’s easier, cheaper, healthier – and it helps you get back into shape.” (NHS website www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk)

When I read this quote it struck me how true it is!

• Breast feeding has been easier than bottle feeding as there is no time taken cleaning and preparing bottles.
• It is cheaper as there is no milk to buy.
• It is healthy as it has been reported that breastfeeding can provide a measure of protection against certain cancers.
• Finally, it helps you to get back into shape. This is true, it really does!

Following the latest World Health Organisation guidance, the Department of Health has issued a new recommendation it states that:

“Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant's life as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs.”

Why stop at six months? If you can keep going, it just keeps getting better! A lot of people feed their baby for twelve months alongside solids. Your milk adjusts itself for your babies changing needs….clever!

However, what all these organisations don’t tell you is how you will feel in the first few days, weeks and months. Breast feeding is an art form, you have to master, and the first few days are hard work. I really lacked in confidence. I thought I was holding the baby wrongly, not getting her to latch on properly and that she wasn’t getting enough milk! But…practice makes perfect and if you can stick at it in the first few weeks you will be a pro before you know it.

It is also a huge commitment, which people often underestimate. But along with commitment comes huge reward. Feeding your baby is a feeling you can never put into words and creates a bond no one else will ever experience.

IMPORTANT: All the information on www.rootitooti.co.uk is for general information only. If you have serious concerns about your baby or breastfeeding speak to your doctor, health visitor or midwife.

There is a lot of support out there (see below) and we are here for you too so feel free to email us here at Rooti Tooti (info@rootitooti.co.uk) with your worries (we have more than likely been there too!)

www.laleche.org.uk
La Leche League aim to help breastfeeding mothers through support, information and education. They produce the ‘Breastfeeding Answer Book’ and provide a 24-hour support line. They also have material for health professionals and have support groups all over the world.

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
This is the site of the Breastfeeding Network which offers independent support and information about breastfeeding. See this site for a list of BfN Breastfeeding Centres and information on a range of topics including thrush and evidence for colic treatments.
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk
This site has information on how to breastfeed and a useful Q & A section.
www.breastfeeding.com
This is an American site. It has some really interesting articles and Q & A sections. It has lots of information which doesn’t apply for the UK but it is an interesting read!
www.babyfriendly.org.uk
This is a UNICEF UK initiative. There are sections for both parents and health professionals on training and campaigning.
www.nct.org.uk
This website covers many aspects of birth and parenting and has a great section on how to breastfeed your baby. It includes all the basic information on breastfeeding plus information on reading centile charts to check growth, information on weight gain and a good section on feeding twins. You can order the NCT Book of Breastfeeding on line. There is a dedicated breastfeeding line from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.
www.rcm.org.uk
Has an excellent information centre on professional and social issues such as infant feeding.

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