DoH backs breastfeeding campaign
Suckling at a mother’s breast for the first six months of a baby’s life has major positive health impacts for mother and child, according to the Department of Health.
This latest guidance out of the DoE, already affirmed by the WHO, comes at the launch of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
The DoE guidance urges all new mothers to breastfeed their child for six months before introducing solid foods.
‘Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant’s life as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs,’ the guidance reads.
The Royal College of Midwives and the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association have backed the recommendations.
The Government says that breastfed babies have a lower risk of gastroenteritis, and respiratory and ear infections, and of becoming obese in later life.
It is also thought women who choose to breastfeed have more chance to lose the weight they gain during pregnancy.
Health minister Hazel Blears said: ‘We want to give a clear and consistent message to mothers, health professionals and the general public.
‘Breastfeeding for the first six months provides the best start for babies. It establishes a foundation for improving short and long-term health and in so doing can help to reduce health inequalities. We want to support women in their decision to breastfeed and help them continue to do so. This recommendation is part of that commitment.’
Rosemary Dodds, a policy research officer at the National Childbirth Trust, welcomed the DoE’s message on breastfeeding.
‘We are encouraging families and health professionals to have more confidence in breastfeeding. It is vital that this confidence is conveyed to mothers so that they feel well supported.’
