Despite increasing awareness of the importance of breastfeeding, rates are still low in many developed countries.
Help for Breastfeeding Problems in the UK
According to the latest Infant Feeding Survey, although 76% of women start breastfeeding in the UK, they fall to 48% by six weeks, while 25% are still breastfeeding at six months.
Looking for potential causes, the survey found out that "a third of breastfeeding mothers had experienced some kind of feeding problem either in hospital or in the early weeks after leaving". Eight of 10 mothers who experienced problems were offered support or information. Those who did not receive any help were more likely to have stopped breastfeeding within two weeks.
So in February 2008 a national breastfeeding helpline (0300 100 0212) was launched in the UK by public health minister Dawn Primarolo.
Breastfeeding Organisations in the UK
The government's commitment to support breastfeeding was welcomed by breastfeeding organisations, which have been helping mothers for years. The main organisations that offer breastfeeding support in the UK are the BfN, NCT, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and La Leche League. These organisations support mothers to make an informed choice, so mums can discuss any aspect of feeding, including taboo subjects such as formula, bottlefeeding and mix feeding.
- BfN was founded in 1997 with a constitution that ensures its total independence of commercial influence. This charity abides by the WHO and UNICEF’s International Code of Marketing. It offers support via its helpline, and at drop-in groups. Supporterline (0300 100 0210) is open 9.30am to 9.30pm, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The Bengali/Sylhetti line (0300 456 2421) is open 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, 7 days a week.
- NCT is the leading charity for pregnancy, birth and parenting in the UK. Breastfeeding support is achieved through a national helpline (0300 330 0771, open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week) and local initiatives. The NCT supports the WHO code and dedicated campaigns, such as the Baby Milk Action.
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers was founded in 1980 and offers mother-to-mother support via its helpline (08444 122 949). This is open every day 9.30am to10.30pm and is manned by trained counsellors who have breastfed their children.
- La Leche League was founded by a group of mothers who wanted to breastfeed and help their friends but experienced frustration and a sense of failure. It is a worldwide organisation and serves as a consultant to UNICEF and the WHO, among many other organisations, agencies and alliances. Leaders help breastfeeding mothers by phone, email and at meetings. The national helpline (0845 120 2918) connects mothers directly to an accredited leader in her own home.
The World Health Organization and Unicef run The Baby Friendly Initiative, which was established in1992 to encourage maternity hospitals to implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and to practise in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Local organisations around the world share similar aims and work with mothers direct.
- The Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group Singapore (BMSG) is a voluntary, non-profit organization. Its goal is to share the benefits of breastfeeding, plus to encourage and support mothers and mothers-to-be to breastfeed their babies. Members include parents and health professionals such as doctors and nurses.
- The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is an independent, non-profit organization that was formed in 1998. USBC is now a coalition of over 40 organizations that work together to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
- Womenshealth.gov is the Federal Government’s source for women’s health information. It's a truly comprehensive site with articles and information on almost anything related to breastfeeding.
- Kellymom.com was developed to provide evidence-based information on breastfeeding, sleep and parenting. It is recommended to parents by breastfeeding counsellors and is highly valued in the UK.
- La Leche League International aims to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through support, encouragement, information and education. It strives to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
- The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an organisation that promotes and protects breastfeeding. Amongst its members are breastfeeding women, their partners and health professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives. ABA was founded in Melbourne, Victoria in 1964 as the Nursing Mothers' Association, with the aim of giving mother-to-mother support to breastfeeding women. The Association is supported by health authorities and specialists in infant and child health and nutrition, including a panel of distinguished advisers. ABA is recognised internationally as a source of accurate information about breastfeeding management and research.
So whatever breastfeeding problem or query mums have, help is available at the click of a mouse. This article mentioned the main organisations known to the writer but if readers are aware of other breastfeeding charities, please leave a comment below.
