Published: Sunday, 15th November, 2009 5:02pm

Breastfeeding - The Feedgood factor

New mums and mums-to-be in Ayrshire and Arran can get the feedgood factor when they choose to breastfeed their babies.

To increase the number of babies who are exclusively breastfed, NHS Ayrshire & Arran is encouraging new mums and mums-to-be to breastfeed their babies and benefit from nature's own wonder food.

To promote the benefits of breastfeeding NHS Ayrshire & Arran representatives will visit the Mothercare store in Kilmarnock on Saturday 21 November from 11am until 3pm. And on Saturday 28 November, they will be on hand in the Ayr Mothercare store from 11am until 3pm.

Why not come along and get advice and information on breastfeeding, and pick up some tips on how to give your baby the best start in life? The team will also be able to offer advice to partners, parents and in-laws on how they can help.

Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and helps protect them from infection and diseases, such as ear infections, gastro-intestinal infections, chest infections, childhood diabetes and obesity. Breastfeeding reduces the chances of women getting diseases such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer or weak bones later in life. And women who breastfeed can get back to their pre-pregnancy figure quicker!

Elizabeth Smith, Community Infant Feeding Co-ordinator - NHS Ayrshire & Arran explains: "We want to encourage our mums-to-be to think about breastfeeding. Why not come along to one of the information stands and find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding, and the support available to new mums?

"Breastfeeding is a hugely rewarding experience for many women, but we know that it can also bring challenges. It can help if you talk to your partner, family and friends to get their support before you have your baby. That way, you and your baby will be off to the best start."

Grace Moore MBE, Assistant Director of Public Health, added: "We want to encourage a more positive and open attitude towards breastfeeding. It provides your baby with all the nutrients they need for the first six months of their life and can protect from infection and other diseases in later life."

For advice about breastfeeding, call the national breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212 or visit www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk.

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