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Helping Mothers to Breastfeed

Introduction:

Here in Mid Essex we believe that breastfeeding is the normal, safe way to feed your baby. If you choose to breastfeed your baby we will give you support to ensure that you get off to the best possible start. All our staff undergo training in breastfeeding and support is available both in the Hospital and once you are at home.

Currently in Mid Essex 73% of women choose to breastfeed their babies at birth. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of your baby’s life as it provides all the nutrients your baby needs for healthy development, but any Breastmilk you can give to your baby will help ensure that he or she gets off to the healthiest possible start.

Benefits of breastfeeding for babies:

Your Breastmilk is designed specifically for your baby. It adapts as your baby grows, so they will always get exactly what they need.

Breastfed babies are at reduced risk of:

Respiratory infections
Urinary tract infections
Ear infections
Insulin dependant diabetes
Asthma, eczema and wheezing
Childhood leukaemia
Sudden infant death syndrome
Childhood cancer
Cardiovascular disease later in life

Breastfed babies are also less likely to become obese and are protected against infections by antibodies passed over in the milk. They are also less likely to suffer from constipation and some studies have suggested that breastfed babies have a higher IQ than formula fed infants

Benefits of breastfeeding for Mothers:

Breastfeeding is free, convenient and can be done anytime in any place. There is no need for equipment or sterilisation and avoids making up feeds in the middle of the night and keeping your baby waiting! It uses up more calories and helps your uterus return to its normal size quickly.

Breastfeeding also offers health benefits for mothers:

Reduced risk of breast cancer
Reduced risk of ovarian cancer
Reduced risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones
Reduced risk of diabetes

Mothers who breastfeed their babies are at a lower risk of postnatal depression and may bond more quickly with their babies. Working Mothers who have breastfed their babies are also less likely to need time off to care for their sick children.

Antenatal Education:

The best way to prepare for breastfeeding your baby is to attend one of our antenatal sessions. They are run at different locations in the area and are open for anyone to attend at any stage of their pregnancy. Please ask your Midwife for further information

To book please contact:

Antenatal clinic 01245 513064

St Peter's Maternity and the phone number is 01621 725305 / 6

Getting Started:

Breastfeeding is a skill and like all new skills may need some practice to get started. As soon as your baby is born we will help you to get to know your baby and to start learning to breastfeed when you and your baby are ready.

Skin to skin:

One of the best ways for any new Mum to get to know her baby is through skin to skin contact and it is something we strongly advocate at Mid Essex. The benefits of skin to skin contact include:

Helps baby to control its temperature
Helps baby to control its blood sugar levels
Helps baby feel secure
Helps you bond with baby
Gives baby protection against bacteria
Helps get breastfeeding off to the best possible start

Whilst you are in Hospital we will help you to start breastfeeding and to learn how to feel confident breastfeeding your baby. By the time you are discharged from Hospital we would like you to feel confident breastfeeding your baby and we will continue to visit you at home to ensure that you have all the help and support you need to successfully breastfeed.

Peer Supporters:

As part of our commitment to breastfeeding in Mid Essex, we have breastfeeding Peer Supporters who come into the Hospital to help support new mothers with breastfeeding. They are volunteer mums who have breastfed their own children and have received training so they are able to support others. If you would like to talk to a Peer Supporter whilst you are in hospital please ask a member of staff

We also have a Lead Midwife in Infant Feeding Denise Gray, who is available to help with any problems or questions you may have. She can be found on The Birthing Unit or contacted on 07887 636746.

At Home:

Going home with a new baby can seem a daunting prospect and we want to ensure that you feel supported and confident with breastfeeding your baby. Community midwives and Maternity care assistants will visit you at home to ensure that you and your baby are settling in to your new life together. We will also provide you with details of all the support available in the area should you need any further and ongoing support. Remember breastfeeding is like any new skill; it takes time and practice, but is ultimately very rewarding.

In addition to the support from Community staff, the following support is also available:

Drop in breastfeeding sessions- these are held in Chelmsford on 2 days a week. They are for any women who need any additional support with breastfeeding. No appointment is required although you may wish to discuss your concerns with our Lead Midwife for Infant feeding prior to attending.

Monday

Kings Road Childrens Centre

Next to Kings Road Primary School CM1 2BB

10.00am - 11.30am

Tuesday

Bumblebee Childrens Centre
The Old School House, Main Road, Danbury CM3 4NQ

11.00am - 12.30am

Thursday

Central Childrens Centre @ Chelmer Court

Behind Chelmsford Cathedral CM1 1NS

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Friday