Fleetwood: First Breastfeeding Friendly Town

Breastfeeding & Birth

 

Whatever type of birth you have, you can try breastfeeding if you want to.

There are masses of evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding for both Mum & Baby. A whole blog could be dedicated to this subject!

Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

 

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme of the World Health Organisation and UNICEF they summarise the health benefits of breastfeeding...


"Artificially fed babies are at greater risk of: 
• gastro-intestinal infection
• respiratory infections
• necrotising enterocolitis
• urinary tract infections
• ear infections
• allergic disease (eczema and wheezing)
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• sudden infant death syndrome
• childhood leukaemia.

Breastfed babies may have better:
• neurological development.

More research is needed, but breastfeeding may also provide protection for the infant against:
• multiple sclerosis
• acute appendicitis
• tonsillectomy
• for the mother
• rheumatoid arthritis.

And for the mother, protection against:
• rheumatoid arthritis.

Women who have breastfed are at lower risk of:
• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• hip fractures and bone density.

Other studies related to health and breastfeeding include:
• Cardiovascular disease in later life
• Breastfeeding, bed sharing and cot death
• Breastfeeding and HIV transmission
• Breastfeeding and dental health."

For more information see: Breastfeeding the the UK

Fleetwood

A common barrier to breastfeeding is feeding in public and the way in which mothers will be judged by others. Thanks to the work of Cheryl Smith: Fleetwood has become the UK's First Breastfeeding Friendly town. Cheryl has signed up over 30 businesses in the local area willing to accommodate and welcome breastfeeding mums on their premises. This offers local Mums a greater peace of mind when they are out and about - knowing that their feeding choice will not be frowned upon.

For more information and pictures of "Fleetwood - The UK's First Breastfeeding Town Sign" see

First Breastfeeding Friendly Town

Breastfeeding Support

Not every breastfeeding mother finds her feeding journey an easy one and we are fortunate in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre area to have an excellent network of breastfeeding support should you need it. Ask your Midwife or Health Visitor for current Breastfeeding Support Groups.