ABBI RUTTER, 20 FROM BOLTON AND MUM TO ZACK

Abbi Rutter or was brought up on Anglesey and now lives in Bolton with Zack her 4 month old son and her boyfriend. Before Abbi had Zack she worked at an advertising company, but doesn’t plan to return to work as the hours were inflexible. In her spare time, Abbi loves going for walks with her family, sells Avon and enjoys eating out. Abbi is also planning for her wedding which she is loving!

Why did you choose to breastfeed?
I had so much support from my mother, she went through all the highs and lows of breastfeeding (lows being the pain at the beginning) as she breastfed both me and my sister. She sat down with me with her edition of breast is best where I learnt so much. After reading breast is best, I realised there was no alternative to breast feeding, my child was going to have the best start in life because of me, that made me feel fantastic!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed?
Everyone was so supportive. My partner did feel left out at the beginning, but he learnt to adjust quickly.My friends on the other hand were very surprised as they bottle fed all there babies and they thought it very strange. But, once I sat down with them and talked to them about it they settled down. Some even said they would try it with the next ones.

What general advice would you give to those considering breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is hard, there is no doubt about it, your nipples will chap and your baby is unforgiving. But it is for one week, maybe 10 days and then that’s it, and the bond you will have with your baby is indescribable. Not to mention how quickly you will drop that baby weight.After two weeks of having my son I was back to my original weight, and the great thing was that I could eat whatever I wanted to.Breastfeeding is a chance to give your baby the best start in life, don’t deprive him of that.

What advice would you give to those who disapprove of breastfeeding?
Ask them why they do not approve. I have a friend going through the same problem; her mother thinks breastfeeding is disgusting. But she has me, and I keep reminding her how it is best for her and the baby.If people at home are not supporting you, you should go to your nearest breast feeding support group, there are plenty of people there who will help you and not let you give up without a fight.

LAURA TAYLOR, 19 FROM PRESTON AND MUM TO EMILY

Laura Taylor was born in Penwortham and now lives in Plungington with Emily her 4 month old daughter and her boyfriend. Before Laura had Emily she was studying for a BTEC National Diploma in performing arts and working at Marks and Spencers. In her spare time, Laura likes going out with her friends, singing, dancing and acting and of course looking after her little girl! She also loves breastfeeding.


Why did you choose to breastfeed?
I chose to breastfeed as I knew that it was the best start for my baby. Breastfeeding is convenient and easy, and I like not having to spend time making and warming up bottles up. I love the fact that breastmilk is free, leaving me more money to spend on other things. Most importantly, I have a really strong bond with Emily because she is breastfed.


What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed?
My mum backed me one hundred percent as she had breastfed me and my brother and sister. My sister, brother and friends also supported me in my decision to breastfeed.My boyfriend, however, didn’t really want me to breastfeed because he wanted to feed Emily as well. He is now quite glad though because he doesn’t have to get up in the night as much as I do!
Some of my family and my partner’s family were against me breastfeeding because they wanted to look after Emily and be able to feed her themselves. They felt uncomfortable and embarrassed at first but they are used to it now.

What general advice would you give to those considering breastfeeding?
Persevere! It’s really hard at first but once you get past the hard bit at the beginning it is so fantastic for both you and your baby. There will be times at 3 o’clock in the morning when you’re crying your eyes out feeding your baby saying to yourself you’re going to put them on the bottle. BUT, just remind yourself how beneficial it is for you and your baby. Breastfeeding definitely tests you, but don’t give up!!

What advice would you give to those who disapprove of breastfeeding?
Of course, you will listen to them and at times when you’re at your wits end you will agree with them. But, remember, when people say they disapprove of breastfeeding, they are being quite selfish because it’s your baby and you know what’s best - why should they have the right to question your judgement? People who disapprove of breastfeeding are generally embarrassed about seeing or talking about it or feel guilty because they didn’t breastfeed their baby. Remember, that’s their problem, not yours. If you want to breastfeed, then do it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it.
What do you plan to do in the future?
I’m going back to university in September and I’m going back to work in June. I am also starting a course about breastfeeding. As I would like to support mums and their decision to breastfeed.

Tongue tie (or Ankyloglossia to give it its proper name) is a condition where the piece of skin (frenulum) under the baby’s tongue is short, and can stop the tongue from moving properly. Although it does not always cause a problem, some babies can have difficulty with breastfeeding, as the baby cannot take enough of the breast into his/her mouth.



PROBLEMS WITH BREASTFEEDING MAY INCLUDE

• Not latching on properly
• Falling off the breast easily
• Sore nipples for mum
• Baby does not gain much weight
• Seems to want to feed constantly

Poor drainage of milk can lead to MASTITIS (click here for information on Mastitis)

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Thrush (Candida Albicans) is a fungal infection and can occur during breastfeeding, affecting mother, baby or both. It often happens after either one of you has been given antibiotics for an infection, or if the nipple becomes cracked and sore.



SIGNS OF THRUSH IN MUM

• Sudden pain in the nipple or breast
• the nipple may become itchy and become sensitive to touch
• A feeling of a deep shooting pain deep within the breast; this occurs AFTER feeding, not during. If you have pain during a feed, your baby may not be attached properly.

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Mastitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the breast tissue and can be a common problem seen in breastfeeding women. The first signs of it may be a wedge-shaped painful red area on the breast which can feel lumpy and hot to the touch. It may cause you to suddenly feel unwell, with flu-like symptoms such aching and higher temperature, as well as shivering. It can happen when milk leaks into the tissues from blocked ducts, and your body reacts to it, causing redness and swelling, although this is not always a sign of infection.

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Weaning is the process of introducing other food and drinks to the baby other than breast milk or formula. The Department of Health (2008) recommendations are:

• Breast milk is the best form of nutrients for infants.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant’s life.
• Six months (26 weeks) is the recommended age for the introduction of solid foods.

By about 6 months the baby needs more than breastmilk or formula alone. Therefore you need to start introducing other foods. Parents can find weaning difficult, but here are a few tips to help you understand a little more about it.

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If you plan to go back to work/college, or planning a night out with your partner/friends, your baby can still be given breast milk by someone else using a more simple method than trying to introduce formula milk. Expressing of breast milk can also help if your breasts are really full and your baby appears to be struggling to latch on. Milk can be expressed from the breast using the hand, or by using hand or electric pumps. Once you learn how to do it, expressing can be easy and needs little preparation.

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There are many benefits to breastfeeding, not just for your baby, but for yourself, your partner and your family. Did you know that breastfeeding your baby can help you to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight quicker? Combined with a healthy balanced diet, you are more likely to shed those extra pounds sooner. That’s because breastfeeding uses up an extra 500 calories a day.

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