By choosing to breastfeed you are giving your baby the best chance of a healthier life with long lasting benefits.
Breast milk is a truly natural and organic food designed especially for your individual baby.
The benefits to your baby include protection against stomach viruses, chest and ear infections.
A formula fed baby is 15 times more likely to be admitted to hospital in the first 4 months of life than a breastfed baby.
Later on your child is less likely to suffer from obesity related conditions such as diabetes, raised blood pressure or high cholesterol.
There are health benefits to you too including less chance of breast and ovarian cancer and your bones will be stronger in later life reducing your risk of osteoporosis.
As well as all the health benefits breastfeeding promotes an exceptional bond between mother and baby and gives an enormous amount of fulfilment and satisfaction.
If it’s so natural why do people have difficulties?
Knowing all of these benefits can make it even more distressing when breastfeeding isn't proving as easy as you had hoped.
Most babies are born able to feed but for some mothers it is a skill that has to be learned.
We at Chiltern Breastfeeding Partnership can help you acquire that skill.
Most problems including sore nipples and slow weight gain can be overcome by showing you how to position and attach your baby to the breast more comfortably. Remember BREASTFEEDING SHOULDN'T HURT!
It should be an enjoyable time for you and your baby.
What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (I.B.C.L.C) is an individual who, by qualifying for and taking an independent examination, possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to mothers and babies.
To maintain the qualification, recertification needs to occur every 5 years and the exam retaken every 10 years.
An IBCLC can work either as a health professional, a volunteer or in private practice.
There are more than 16,000 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in 57 countries across the world.
