More places now open to support breast feeding mums

Breastfeeding best for new mothers and babies

NHS Hounslow is encouraging new mums across the borough to breastfeed their babies for a healthier start in life. Breastfeeding groups are a great way for mums to support each other to give their babies the best start by breastfeeding.

NHS Hounslow is opening its seventh breast feeding drop-in service, offering free advice and support in a relaxed and informal environment. The latest one opens in July 2010 at the Cranford Children’s Centre.

Breastfeeding makes a big difference to the health of both babies and mums, but many struggle in the first few weeks. Babies who are not breastfed have an increased chance of diarrhoea, vomiting, chest and ear infections and having to go to hospital as a result. Breastfeeding is good news for mums as it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

New mum Natalie Collins (left)is among the first to use the service and said, “I really struggled at first to establish breastfeeding, and if I hadn’t come to the Cranford drop-in I would have given up. “
Natalie added “The practical advice the Health Visitor Sallie has given me really helped and now my son TJ is thriving.”

NHS Hounslow’s, Specialist Health Visitor Sallie Winterbach said “Mum’s milk is the healthiest way to feed your baby. It is less common in later life for breast fed children to suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, eczema, diabetes, leukaemia and asthma. Some women also find it is easier to lose weight after giving birth if breastfeeding.”

Sallie added “We know most mums would like to breastfeed their babies but often feel isolated and give up in the first few weeks. Here they are able to breastfeed in a relaxed comfortable environment, enjoy a hot drink, and make new friends.”

The breastfeeding drop at Cranford Children’s Centre runs every Wednesday from 10am to Noon. Breastfeeding drop-in sessions are also available six other locations in Hounslow.

General NHS information can be found at www.hounslowpct.nhs.uk or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NHShounslow , join the facebook group http://bit.ly/NHSHounslowFB.  

July 28, 2010