Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a process which the mother needs to learn, not a reflex. Many new mothers have never seen a baby being breastfed, and when they are faced with feeding their own baby, their success depends on her preparing herself antenatally with practical information, encouragement, and mother to mother support.

Amazingly, a new born baby, placed on his mother's abdomen immediately following birth, can crawl his way to her breast and latch on without help. Providing the baby is not too drowsy from drugs used during labour, a newborn baby is very alert for the first hour during birth.

The Infant Feeding Survey 2005 found that initation of breastfeeding was higher for mothers who had had early skin to skin contact with their babies.

The use of a Doula is significant in the success of breastfeeding. A doula can prepare the mother antenatally, offering information and advice about breastfeeding, and accompanying her to visit a lactation consultant. Having the support of a Birth Doula and her prescence until that first feed has finished, strongly encourages women.

A study done by W.L. Wolman, Johannesburg 1991, shows that 51% of women who used a Doula were soley breastfeeding their babies at six weeks, compared to 29% who had not had the prescence of a Doula.

A staggering 81% of Doula supported women, were demand feeding at six weeks compared to 47% where no Doula was present.

Breastfeeding preperation and Support

£15hr + Travel expences (minimum 3 hour contract)

" I am convinced that your immediate support with the breast feeding has contributed to it being such a positive experience for me and Elodie." Mother to E, Tunbridge Wells