Breast feeding
Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants and has lots of benefits for mum too.
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.
Feeding your baby can be very rewarding and a time to enjoy a real feeling of closeness. Babies get far more than just nutrition from a feed -they enjoy the cuddle, the comfort and the satisfaction of a full tummy.
In the UK, most mums start off breastfeeding. For some mums, breastfeeding is not an option and they switch to formula feeding, sooner than they originally planned.
If you want to continue breastfeeding it is important to get the right help. In Coventry help and advice is available for parents considering breastfeeding or for those having problems. During pregnancy, mums will be able to discuss breastfeeding with a midwife or health visitor and advice will range from how to put your baby to the breast correctly to advice about bed sharing and infant safety.
Coventry also has a network of Breastfeeding cafes around the city are ideal places for pregnant or new mums to come together for a cup or tea or coffee and have access to professional advice, support and information from trained peer supporters, midwifes and health visitors.
Breastfeeding has short-term and long-term health benefits for both mother and child.
For mothers, breastfeeding helps to:
- strengthen your bones
- lower your risk of getting ovarian or breast cancer
- get your pre-pregnancy figure back more quickly
For babies, breastfeeding helps to:
- protect against diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, ear and chest infections
- reduce the risk of diabetes or eczema
- makes nappies less smelly
Click on link to view Department of Health Breast feeding leaflet "Off to the best start! Breastfeeding Leaflet - Department of Health
Breast feeding help and advice
If you have any concerns regarding breastfeeding, or need to find out how to breastfeed properly, there are many sources of help, advice and support available, including your midwife, self-help groups, telephone help lines and breastfeeding counsellors.
Get help and advice from:
More information on breast feeding can be found on the Coventry City Council's website
- Department of Health
The Government body that is responsible for delivering the highest quality of health and social care within England.