To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, NHS Lothian infant & midwifery teams have been spending time answering some common questions around choosing to breastfeed your newborn.
We’re latching on to as much knowledge as we can to help mothers and their partners make the best choice around breastfeeding. From the moment you cut the cord, our teams will help you build a bond with your baby. And how ever you decide to feed, we’ll be there to support you.
Alice Henderson is an Infant Feeding Advisor at St John’s Hospital in Livingston. She’s been telling us about her typical day in the department:
“Every day is so rewarding. From the moment I get in to check my emails and catch up with the post-natal & labour wards – to directly supporting parents with their breastfeeding challenges, I enjoy every minute!
I liaise with medical and midwifery staff, deliver workshops for students, support parents in the community and via phone/Near Me video calls and develop training materials for ongoing use across our departments.”
Alice is a strong advocate for breastfeeding, and tells us why:
“Breastfeeding creates a close bond between mum and baby giving the opportunity for optimum attachment. It also optimises mum and baby’s health and also baby’s brain development. It’s very convenient and even contributes towards fighting climate change!
There is so much support out there for new parents starting with antenatal support right through to postnatal support from the NHS and other third sector organisations.”
For more information to help you make an informed decision around breastfeeding, visit https://services.nhslothian.scot/feedingyourbaby/
