As my final post for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, I wanted to share what I feel are good links and resources for breastfeeding – specifically aimed at new mums (or supporting partners). There’s so much help out there now, and fantastic online films and of course, let’s not forget the books. So here’s s
ome reading to help you on your journey:
Books:
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding – book by La Leche League
- Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding (published in June 2014 – it will be brilliant – I have seen many of the extracts and just pre-ordered mine)
- Ina May’s guide to Breastfeeding
- Mothering Multiples – guide for feeding twins
Online resources:
- NHS Website – provides good comprehensive information
- Breastfeeding Information Wall from NHS – lots of good quality films with information about everything to do with breastfeeding
- Dr Jack Newman’s clinic – a fantastic resource for any breastfeeding mother
- Recognising Hunger Cues
- Multiple Birth Foundation – feeding guides (includes bottle and mixed feeding help)
Social Media – Facebook Pages and Twitter Accounts to follow
- Jack Newman
@LLLGB – La Leche League- @Babysbreastie
- @NursingNurture
NHS Clinics
- NHS Lothian – breastfeeding clinics
- Feel Good Factor (NHS Scotland) – all breastfeeding clinics and support groups listed (enter your postcode)
Helplines
- National Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 100 0212
- NCT Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 330 0771
- La Leche League Helpline – 0845 120 2918
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers – 0300 330 5453
Finally…
If you are struggling, you are not alone – you are amongst the masses of woman who overcome problems and go on to enjoy feeding their baby/babies. There is so much information readily
available – access it.
Your midwife in the hospital and again in the community are there to support you to feed your baby. Once you’re discharged from the midwifery team, ask your health visitor for support and access the the helplines or facebook groups for support. Sometimes, if you’re really struggling, someone will come to your home. And if you live in the Edinburgh and Lothians, you can book a breastfeeding session in your home.
I’ve met so many mums who have eventually decided to bottle feed their babies after struggling to breastfeed – there is no shame in this, ever. So many of them have cried tears of guilt, worry, concern and more. If you have made that decision, come to terms with that being your journey as a parent. Breastfeeding your baby, doesn’t make you a better mum – what makes a good mum is someone who is gentle, caring, compassionate, responsive and nurturing.
Thank you to all those that have sent their pictures in for this blog.
Much love, Tricia xxx
This is the final post in a series of blogs for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2014 #nbfw14
