Kilcooley Women’s Centre fully supports the World Health Organisation on encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and this is why we have committed to the Public Health Agency “breastfeeding welcome here” scheme. ( March 2020) 

There is nothing you can do for your child in his/her whole life that will affect them both emotionally and physically as profoundly as breastfeeding. It is also important for your own body and affects a surprising number of health issues. Giving nothing but breast milk is recommended for about the first six months (26 weeks) of your baby’s life. After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside family foods for the first two years, or for as long as you and your baby want, will help them grow and develop healthily. Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby’s changing needs.

Babies who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from:

• Gastro-intestinal Infection
• Respiratory Infections
• Necrotising Enterocolitis
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Ear Infections
• Alergic Disorders (eg. Eczema and Wheezing)
• Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Childhood Leukaemia.
• Breastfed babies may have better:
• Neurological Development.

Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.

Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FEEDING YOUR BABY

While breastfeeding comes naturally to your baby, it is a skill that you will find improves with practice. Once you’ve mastered it you’ll find that breastfeeding is the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

It shouldn’t hurt, but you may feel some tenderness when your baby latches on in the first few weeks.

Follow the link below for a step by step guide to help you get started with breast feeding your baby.

Information on breastfeeding support groups.

    https://www.lalecheleagueireland.com/groups/belfast/
    http://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/listing/la-leche-league-breastfeeding-support-group-bangor/
    National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 (9.30am-9.30pm)
    Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 0844 412 2949 (open 9.30am-10.30pm)
    La Leche League 0845 120 2918 (24 hours)
    National Childbirth Trust 0300 330 0771 (8am-10pm)

 https://www.breastfedbabies.org/getting-support-when-you-breastfeed ( added April 2020 includes information regarding Covid 19)