CHORLEY AND SOUTH RIBBLE

Astley and Buckshaw Children’s Centre
Tuesday 9.30-11am
Chancery Road, Astley Village PR7 1XP
01257 248980

Clayton Brook Children’s Centre
Tuesday 10-12 noon
Great greens Lane, Clayton Brook, PR5 8HL
Tel: 01772 310150

Duke Street Children’s Centre
Wednesday 1-3pm
Duke Street,Chorley PR7 3DU
Tel: 01257 276253

Coppull primary school and Children’s centre
Thursday 10.20-12 noon
Park Road, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5AH
Tel: 01257 791237

“The Place” Wade Hall Community Centre
Thursday 10.30-12pm
Royal Avenue, Leyland, PR25 1BX
Tel: 01772 624389

Highfield Children’s Centre
Friday 12.30-2pm
Wright Street, Chorley, PR6 OHL
Tel:01257 262441

PRESTON

Cherry Tree Children’s Centre
Monday 9.30-10.30am (term time only)
Sharoe green library, Sharoe Green Lane
Tel: 01772 717325

Riverbank Children’s Centre
Tuesday 1.30-3pm
Brieryfield Road, Preston PR1 8SR
Tel: 01772 906970

Ribbleton Children’s Centre
Wednesday 11.30-1pm
Ribbleton Hall Drive, Preston PR2 6EE
Tel: 01772 655789

 Preston West Children’s Centre
Thursday 1.30-3pm
 Ainsdale Drive, Ashton, Preston PR2 1TU
Tel: 01772 727032

Group times may alter. You may wish to check before you attend

SOUTH RIBBLE HEALTH VISITORS

Leyland Clinic (Yewlands Drive)
Tel: 01772 644115

Bamber bridge Clinic
Tel: 01772 644684/644683

Sandy Lane Leyland
Tel: 01772 458155

Riverside Medical Centre
Tel: 01772 881517

Ryan Medical Centre
Tel: 01772 620470

St. Filans Medical Centre
TEl: 01772 740991

St. Mary’s Heath Centre
Tel: 01772 644135/644136

Longton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644789/644788/644787

CHORLEY HEALTH VISITORS

Chorley health Centre
Tel: 01772 644723/644724

Withnell Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644160

Euxton Medical Centre
Tel: 01772 644778

Clayton Brook Clinic
Tel: 01772 644730

PRESTON HEALTH VISITORS

Ashton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401905

Avenham Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401905

Brookfield Clinic
Tel: 01772 401801

Fulwood Clinic
Tel: 01772 401305

Geoffrey St Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401704

Ingol Health Centre
Tel: 01772 401500

Longridge Community Hospital
Tel: 01772 781100

Ribbleton Clinic
Tel: 01772 401386

Saul St Clinic
Tel: 01772 401182

CHORLEY

Highfield Nursery School and Early Years Centre
Wright Street, Chorley PR6 0SL
Tel: 01257 262441

Clayton Brook Children’s Centre
Great Greens Lane, Clayton Brook, Bamber Bridge, Chorley PR5 8HL
Tel: 01772 3101501

CHORLEY & S RIBBLE HEALTH VISITORS

Adlington Clinic
Tel: 01772 6444670

Bamber Bridge Clinic
Tel: 01772 6444684

Chorley Health Centre
Tel: 01772 6444723

Clayton Brook Clinic
Tel: 01772 644730

Coppull Clinic, Chorley
Tel: 01772 644746

Eccleston Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644746

Euxton Medical Centre
Tel: 01772 644778

Kingsfold Medical Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 748632

St Filan’s Medical Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 740991

St Mary’s Health Centre, Penwortham
Tel: 01772 644135

Longton Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644789

Riverside Medical Centre, Walton le Dale
Tel: 01772 881517

Ryan Medical Centre, Bamber Bridge
Tel: 01772 620470

Sandy Lane Surgery, Leyland
Tel: 01772 458155

Yewlands Drive Clinic, Leyland
Tel: 01772 644115

Withnell Health Centre
Tel: 01772 644160

BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN

Accrington Road Children’s Centre
Accrington Road Children’s Centre, Accrington Road,Blackburn BB1 2AF
Tel: 01254 265130

Audley and Queen’s Park Children’s Centre
Pringle Street, Blackburn BB1 1SF
Tel: 01254 507750

Darwen Children’s Centre
Chapel site, Winterton Road, Darwen BB3 0ER
Tel: 01254 701535

Darwen Children’s Centre
Lord Street, Darwen BB3 0HD
Tel: 01254 778900

Earcroft Children’s Centre
Monton Road, Darwen BB3 0AF
Tel: 01254 870900

Hancock Street Children’s Centre
Hancock Street, Blackburn BB2 2LZ
Tel: 01254 666230

Highercroft Children’s Centre
Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn BB2 3UY
Tel: 01254 267920

John Smethurst Children’s Centre
St James Road, Blackburn BB1 8ES
Tel: 01254 698350

Little Harwood Children’s Centre
Robinson Street, Blackburn BB1 1PE
Tel: 01254 506910

Livesey Children’s and All Age Centre
Andrew Close, Blackburn BB2 4NU
Tel: 01254 507950

Longshaw Nursery School and Children’s Centre
Crosby Road, Blackburn BB2 3NF
Tel: 01254 698832

Mill Hill Early Years Centre
Mill Hill Community Centre, New Chapel Street, Blackburn BB2 4DT
Tel: 01254 698832

Seven Trees Children’s Centre
Whalley Road, Blackburn BB1 6NZ
Tel: 01254 264922

Shadsworth Children’s Centre
Shadsworth Road, Blackburn BB1 2HR
Tel: 01254 680733

Wensley Fold Children’s Centre
Carnarvon Road, Blackburn BB2 6NL
Tel: 01254 272940

As a dad, you are very likely to want to get involved with the day to day care of your baby, but what if mum decides to breastfeed? What does it mean to you? The first few weeks with a new baby can be a roller coaster ride, and it is really helpful if mums get support from you and the family.


WHY IS BREASTFEEDING IMPORTANT?

It has many advantages when compared with formula feeding. It is healthier for your baby and is:-

• Free
• Convenient
• Made especially for YOUR baby

Formula fed babies are also more likely to:-

• Get tummy upsets and diarrhoea
• Have problems with ear infections
• Have problems with chest infections
• Be at risk of getting allergies
• Greater chances of getting eczema

All these could result in your baby spending time in hospital when they should be at home with you and mum.


CAN IT KEEP MUM HEALTHIER?

Breastfeeding can help to protect mums against certain cancers such as breast and certain cancers that affect the ovaries (the egg making sacs near the womb). Also, women that breastfeed have a greater chance of stronger bones as they get older. You don’t want them having to have a hip replacement do you? It also burns up 500 calories a day, getting rid of that baby weight! (Not that she isn’t lovely to you anyway!!)


DISADVANTAGES OF FORMULA FEEDING

• Formula feeding involves making bottles up every time your baby is hungry, and it can be awful waiting for water to cool down whilst your baby is screaming his lungs out!
• Formula milk is not sterile, and can introduce bugs to your baby’s system, causing him to have sickness and diarrhoea. Babies can become really poorly with this.
• It is also really, really easy to make up the feeds wrong, even if you have read the label properly.
• Also, with breastfeeding, you do not have to decide which kind of milk you would need, breast milk is made different at every feed, made especially for your baby, night or day! Bottle fed babies need to be given water in hot weather as formula milk does not quench their thirst, but breast milk is a food and drink rolled into one!
• Sterilising is another problem, which method do you use? Which takes longest? Have the bottles been sterilised properly? Buying sterilising equipment just bumps up the cost of a new baby!
• Do you know that you can spend the equivalent of one whole year making bottles and this is just the night feeds! Half asleep, staggering downstairs, boiling the kettle, contending with a crying baby, or hand the baby to mum to feed herself, nappy change (by you if you can stay awake long enough!) baby back in the cot, and get some more shut eye before it happens again?
  
  
  

COMMON CONCERNS FOR DADS

I will feel left out…
You may feel jealous at first because you can’t physically feed your baby, but look at all the other things you can do instead. Why not take charge of bathing, nappy changing or having that last daddy cuddle before bedtime? It is important that your baby gets used to your face, sound and smell. Although it is best to wait until 6 months, you can really get involved when your baby is ready for solid food.
(click here to see information on introducing solids)

I want to share the feeding…
If you get involved with your baby’s care, the feeding will seem less important.However, after about 6 weeks, when breastfeeding is easier for mum, she may want to express milk and then you can give the milk by cup or bottle. Giving a breastfeeding baby a bottle too early can cause problems as the baby may get confused about which way to suck (bottle fed and breast fed babies suck differently). Also, if the baby is given formula milk, this affects mum’s own milk supply and she may end up not making as much.

What about feeding in public, is it not easier to bottle feed in cafes..?
Although some dads say they are against feeding in public, what they don’t realise is that they have probably walked past someone who is feeding, and just hadn’t noticed! Breastfeeding can be done discretely, and with the right support from you and other family members, mum will grow in confidence, and the more you see your partner breastfeed, the more comfortable you will be with it.Many places now advertise that breastfeeding is welcome, and all places such as children’s centres, libraries and health centres will support breastfeeding, and some may provide a private place if mum does not feel confident to feed in public.


WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREASTFEEDING?

• A baby is happier if he is fed as soon as he shows signs of being hungry.
• Babies who are breastfed usually feed more often, usually every 2-3 hours. It may seem a lot, but this is because the milk is right for his tummy and is easily digested. Just think about how often you eat and drink during the day? Most people do not go 3 hours without at least a brew!
• The more a baby feeds the more milk mum makes. This is known as supply and demand!
• Mum and baby will enjoy feeding more if they are comfy and relaxed.
• Babies put on more weight if they are allowed to finish a whole feed on one breast before being offered the other one.

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HOW CAN I HELP?

•  Encourage mum, give her praise, breastfeeding is a learning experience for all involved.
• Be involved with your baby in other ways than feeding.
• Try and help with household chores so that she can sit and feed. Make her a cuppa if you can. This helps to make sure she is eating and drinking enough to keep her energy up.

• If you think there is a problem with breastfeeding, get help from a specialist
• Encourage her to continue as long as she wants to, but support her if she decides to give up, it may be a very difficult decision to make.

Click here for local contact numbers for help and support

 If you’d like to share your thoughts and experiences of breastfeeding, please post your comments below…and thanks, without your support and understanding, it’s more difficult for women to choose to breastfeed and to stick with it.

Everyone’s experience of breastfeeding is unique. Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences of a woman’s life, but it can be demanding and, even the most experienced mum needs help and support.

So, please post your experiences here  As long as you are honest you will be helping many women establish and continue breastfeeding.

Thanks, from all of us at the Be a Star team x

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)
  

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CHANGE THIS?

If you are having the above problems, and think your baby has a tongue tie it will need to be reported to your GP, midwife, health visitor or peer supporter. They can then refer your baby to a specialist infant feeding clinic for it to be looked at. Royal Preston hospital offers a tongue-tie clinic where they are seen by the Infant Feeding Specialists and a Paediatrician (children’s doctor). Young babies can actually have the tie snipped by a doctor if they feel it is necessary and in most cases it helps the baby to feed better.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Once the baby has been seen by the Paediatrician they then return to a special ENT (ear nose and throat) session and a Surgeon snips the tongue tie with sterilised scissors. The procedure actually lasts only a minute, and research shows that some babies have actually stayed asleep whilst having it done, so there is no proof that it actually hurts them! As soon as the operation is over, your baby is returned to you for feeding, as this is the best way to comfort him/her. A few drops of blood may be seen and this is normal, but the inside of the mouth heals quicker than any other part of the body, so all baby needs is to be fed and cuddled. You may see a small white patch under the tongue where the tie was snipped but it does not seem to cause any discomfort.

THE FUTURE

In a recent study of babies who had been given the tie snip, it was found that 80% of mothers reported better breastfeeding within 24 hours. Not all babies who have a tongue tie will need surgery to correct it, it will be based on how bad it is, but it may help your baby to breastfeed more easily.

Written with guidance from “division of Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) for breastfeeding” (NICE 2005) and Lancashire Teaching Hospital’s Trust “infant tongue frenulotomy service care pathway” (2007)

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.
• The nipple or areola (the dark skin) may change colour
• The nipple may look very cracked and does not seem to heal
• Pain may be in both breasts as the baby can pass on the infection from one breast to the other
• Occasionally there are no major signs of infection and no pain is felt whilst feeding your baby

There are other reasons for nipple pain though

• Baby may not be attached properly, causing sore and cracked nipples
• Eczema or rash on breast
• The baby may have a Tongue Tie
  (cick here for more information on Tongue Tie)
  

SIGNS OF THRUSH IN BABY

• Creamy white patches can be seen on the baby’s tongue or inside the mouth which do not rub off
• You might see a white shiny patch on his/her tongue that does not come off
• Baby does not fed well at the breast, this is because his/her mouth is sore
• Baby may become irritable and be more windy than normal
• If the infection is passed through his/her body, there may be a nappy rash that seems hard to get rid of.
  

SELF HELP INFORMATION

• Thrush can be easily passed between you, your baby, your partner and other children.
• Make sure you wash the breast area regularly if you have thrush, and do not share towels with anyone else.
• Make sure you wash your hands after changing your baby’s nappy.
• If your baby has a dummy, or is also having a bottle as well as breastfeeding, make sure these are sterilised properly by boiling for at least 20 minutes.
• Make sure you continue to breastfeed, and take painkillers if necessary. By stopping feeding, you could encounter more problems such as Mastitis
  (click here for more information on Mastitis)
• If you have expressed any milk during the time of the infection, throw it away as it could cause your baby to get another bout of thrush.

MEDICAL HELP

• Both mums and babies should be treated even though only one of you may show signs of infection
• The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) recommends that GP’s should prescribe an antifungal to treat thrush for at least 10 days, as well as a cream such as Daktarin that is applied to the nipples following a feed for 2-3 weeks.
• Babies can be prescribed Daktarin  as long as they are over 4 months. The gel is rubbed around the cheeks and tongue using a clean finger. This should be applied for 2 weeks, even though signs of Thrush may have disappeared.
• Health visitors and Doctors can prescribe Nystatin drops to babies from birth

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.

WHY DOES MASTITIS OCCUR?

• Baby not feeding properly at the breast. Health professionals call this a problem with positioning and attachment. In the first couple of weeks this should be checked every time your midwife/health visitor or peer supporter sees you feeding. If your baby is not attached properly he/she may not drain the breast effectively
• Engorgement- if your breasts are over full they are not being drained properly and can lead to blocked ducts (where the milk is stored). This can then cause bacteria to grow.
• Tight clothing- this is especially true for bras. Make sure you have a good fitting nursing bra that does not press into the skin.
  

HOW TO PREVENT MASTITIS

• Feed your baby regularly and try to go too long between feeds
• Don’t let your breasts get too full –try to express if you cannot feed
• Wear a good fitting bra and make sure your clothes don’t press hard on your breasts

HOW TO CLEAR BLOCKED DUCTS

To clear blocked ducts and engorgement (that lead to mastitis):

• Check that your baby is well attached at the breast and keep feeding. Even though you may feel ill, if you stop feeding it will become worse very quickly.
• Feed regularly and do not let the breasts become over full
• Express if your breasts feel uncomfortably full
• Feed from the affected side first to make sure the baby drains it
• Try feeding in different positions such as lying down
• Massage the breast to help the milk flow or use warm flannels

See your GP if these self help measures do not work, or you continue to feel worse.Pain relief can also be taken to try and reduce the swelling and raised temperature.


PAIN RELIEF

• Ibuprofen- reduces the inflammation and reduces pain. Take them following a feed. Do not take if you are asthmatic, are allergic to aspirin or have a stomach ulcer. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.
• Paracetamol- relieves pain and reduces temperature but does not relieve the swelling. Take two 500mg tablets up to four times a day.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed by your GP if there seems to be an infection caused by bacteria. These antibiotics are safe to take whilst breastfeeding, and will not harm your baby but it may cause him/her to have slightly runnier poo than normal and can become slightly irritable. However, it is important that you finish the antibiotics.

Written following guidance from Mastitis guidelines (Blackburn with Darwen PCT 2008) and “Mastitis and breastfeeding” (BfN 2007)