Breast Feeding

We are pleased to confirm that all our St Marys Nurseries are now on the Blackburn and Darwen council website as Breastfeeding Friendly places. We support and encourage our parents to breastfeed the children, understanding the benefits of it for both child and mother.

Benefits of breastfeeding

It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to feed your baby. But you don't have to make up your mind until your baby is born.
In the UK, more than 73% of mothers start breastfeeding. These are some of the reasons why:

• 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
• breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby

Formula milk doesn't provide the same protection from illness and doesn't give you any health benefits.

Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby

Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood.
Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of:

• infections, with fewer visits to hospital as a result
• diarrhoea and vomiting with fewer visits to hospital as a result
• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• childhood leukaemia
• type 2 diabetes
• obesity
• cardiovascular disease in adulthood

Giving nothing but breast milk is recommended for about the first six months (26 weeks) of your baby's life.
After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside family foods for as long as you and your baby want will help them grow and develop healthily.
Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby's changing needs.

Health benefits of breastfeeding for you

Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.
Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:

• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• osteoporosis (weak bones)
• cardiovascular disease
• obesity

Busting some breastfeeding myths

Myth: "It's not that popular in this country."
Fact: More than 73% of women in the UK start breastfeeding, and 17% of babies are still being exclusively breastfed at three months.
Myth: "Breastfeeding will make my breasts sag."
Fact: Breastfeeding doesn't cause your breasts to sag, but pregnancy hormones can stretch the ligaments that support your breasts. Wear a well-fitting bra while you're pregnant.
Myth: "People don't like to see women breastfeeding in public."
Fact: Most people don't mind. The more it's seen, the more normal it will become. The law protects women from being asked to leave a public space while breastfeeding.
Myth: "Formula milk is basically the same as breast milk."
Fact: Almost all formula milk is made from cows' milk. It can contain bacteria, which is why it's vital to make it up with water hot enough to kill any bacteria (70C). It doesn't protect your baby from infections and diseases like breast milk does.
Myth: "Some women don't produce enough breast milk."
Fact: Almost all women are physically able to breastfeed. Early, frequent feeding and responding to your baby's cues give you the best start to establishing your supply. See Is my baby getting enough milk?
Myth: "If I breastfeed I can't have a sex life."
Fact: There's no reason why breastfeeding should stop you having sex with your partner. Your breasts may leak a little milk while you're having sex, but you can try feeding your baby beforehand or wearing a bra with breast pads in. Your vagina may feel a little drier than usual because of your breastfeeding hormones. Using some lubricant and taking things slowly will help.
Myth: "Breastfeeding hurts."
Fact: Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby and it shouldn't hurt. If you experience pain in your breasts or nipples, it's usually because your baby isn't positioned or attached properly. Ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist to watch a whole feed to help spot the problem.
Myth: "My nipples are flat or even inverted, so I won't be able to breastfeed."
Fact: Nipples come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Holding your baby skin-to-skin after birth will help them find the best way to attach themselves. Your baby breastfeeds, not nipple feeds, so as long as they can get a good mouthful of breast they should be able to feed perfectly happily.
Myth: "Babies don't need breast milk once they start solid foods at about six months."
Fact:  Breastfeeding still has lots of benefits for you and your baby after six months. It protects them from infections and there's some evidence that it helps them to digest solid foods. It also continues to provide the balance of nutrients they need. The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are breastfed for up to two years or longer.

To find out more or talk to someone, please attend one of the local breastfeeding groups:

Monday: 1pm – 2:30pm
Little Harwood Children’s Centre (01254) 506910
Monday: 1:30pm – 3pm
Shadsworth Children’s Centre (01254) 680733
Tuesday: 9:30am - 11am
Livesey Children’s and All Age Centre (01254) 507950
Tuesday: 11am – 12:30pm
Higher Croft Children’s Centre (01254) 267920
Wednesday: 1pm – 2:30pm
Hancock Street Children’s Centre (01254) 666230
Wednesday: 1pm – 2:30pm
Audley & Queen’s Park Children’s Centre (01254) 507750
Thursday: 11am – 12:30pm
Wensley Fold Children’s Centre (01254) 585085
Friday: 9:30am - 11am
Darwen Children’s Centre (01254) 778900

National Breastfeeding Helpline number: 0300 1000 212
365 days / year 9:30am - 9:30pm
You can also contact your Midwife or Health Visitor for breastfeeding support