London - Breastfeeding is certainly good for babies. However, feeding your baby formula milk is neither bad for them nor a sub-standard choice. And while we must help and encourage those women who want to breastfeed, we should not be scolding women who don’t.
It is not a black-and-white choice in the majority of cases: this is why you find plenty of mothers who may have breastfed one child but not another, as I did.
How long should you breastfeed for?
This is an individual choice. It is reasonable to breastfeed until weaning at four to six months but many women carry on for longer, even past one year. Those who have been urged to breastfeed as it can be beneficial in families with atopy - eczema, asthma and hay fever - are recommended to feed for the first six months.
Is it painful?
Once established properly, it should not be painful. In the first few days and weeks it can hurt as mother and baby learn how to latch on properly. Pain is usually a sign of cracked nipples or the baby is not on properly.
Who can help with breastfeeding?
Midwives and health visitors are a good place to start and there may be a breastfeeding clinic in your area. The most useful advice often comes from a friend who has breastfed.
What is mastitis?
It is an infection in the breast that occurs during breast- feeding. It causes flu-like symptoms with a red, hard lump on the breast that is tender. It can be treated with heat treatment and massage of the lump, but often it requires antibiotics.
What medications are safe when you are breastfeeding?
Certain medications are harmful, such as aspirin and some epilepsy treatments.
Can you drink alcohol when you are breastfeeding?
Advice from the Royal College of Midwives suggests that abstaining from alcohol completely is best for the baby. Alcohol in the milk can make a baby grumpy and unsettled. - Daily Mail