Despite the message that 'breast is best', as little as 25 per cent of mothers in the UK are still breastfeeding their babies at six months - the recommended age until which the World Health Organisation advises solely breastmilk for all babies. However, you only have to look at the ThinkBaby Breastfeeding Central pages on the site to see that breastfeeding is not necessarily an easy experience.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition believes that the message of the health benefits for babies when their mothers breastfeed needs to be underlined. The most recent survey on infant feeding suggests that the largest group of mothers who choose to breastfeed is well-educated, professional women who have their first baby in their thirties.
One of the measures aimed at helping raise the profile of breastfeeding benefits is the introduction of a Department of Health helpline. However, the Committee have called for other changes:
They want the labelling on baby food to be amended (much of it currently says 'suitable from four months') to fall in line with current advice that weaning should not start until six months.
They also want to see better advice for pregnant women and new mothers, with specific efforts made to target 'hard-to-reach' groups who do not seem to be picking up the message that 'breast is best'.
Although these measures have been welcomed, it is also felt that giving women direct contact with midwives who can support them as they adjust to breastfeeding would make a huge difference. At the moment, though 75 per cent of women try breastfeeding, the number who continue by six weeks drops to 50 per cent.
Although breastfeeding is physically beneficial to both mother and child, it is not always easy. For friendly, non-judgemental help, you can talk about the issues and your problems on the ThinkBaby forums and also visit the website of La Leche League for advice and support.
