Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

1. Poor continuation rates

   • Poor attachment to the breast
     • Cracked sore nipples
     • Mastitis
       • Mother needs to continue to breastfeed to prevent an abscess
         • Drink properly
           • Encourage rest
         • Check attachment
       • Flu like symptoms
         • Urgent GP assessment
     • Slow weight gain
       • Increased maternal anxiety
     • Missed feeds
       • Mastitis
     • Fathers not sure how to support their partners with breastfeeding
   • Lack of education or support to identify signs of a good attachment or milk transfer
     • Antenatal classes online
       • Ethics
         • no access to the internet widening the gap between the rich and poor
       • Parents unaware of the full benefits of breastfeeding to make an informed choice
         • Parents unaware of different feeding positions
         • Midwives understaffed to observe a feed
   • Perception of an inadequate milk supply
   • A lack of support from family members, partners and friends
   • Culture
     • Embarrassed to breastfeed in public
       • Perception that breasts are sexual objects
   • Demands and frequency of feeding, parents not prepared for the realities of breastfeeding
     • Appealing formula advertisements
       • Overfeeding

2. Health visitors understaffed

   • Unable to intervene early
   • NBV visit held between 14 -21 days
   • Healthy child Programme
     • Empathises on breastfeeding
     • Professionals to raise awareness of the risks of not breastfeeding
   • Communication
     • Non Judgemental approach
     • Time to listen and observe a feed
   • Capacity building
     • UNICEF baby friendly initative
       • Improve standards of care
     • Strength based approach
     • Increased confidence

3. Increased rates

   • Lower incidence of illnesses
     • Cost effective