Wellbeing

Should you be breastfeeding in public?

By Janey Lee Grace

This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and a recent report from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation found that optimal breastfeeding of children under two has the potential to save the lives of 800,000 children every year. But what if you face difficulties? Don’t give up on the idea of breastfeeding just yet, says Janey Lee Grace.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and a recent report from UNICEF and the World Health Organisation found that optimal breastfeeding of children under two has the potential to save the lives of 800,000 children every year. But what if you face difficulties? Don’t give up on the idea of breastfeeding just yet, says Janey Lee Grace.

There have been so many news stories recently around breastfeeding, including its benefits for your baby’s IQ and that it can even reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s later on.

What’s sad is that there have been some other reports about mothers not being allowed to breastfeed in public. Recent research found that shy women are less likely to breastfeed; introverts were found to be particularly self conscious about nursing in public. I had my babies later in life so I had no confidence issues, in fact I think the whole of Asia caught sight of my breasts while I took my 16 month-old on several long-haul flights!

If you are a little anxious, don’t forget help is at hand from charities such as The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (abm.me.uk).

If it’s really not possible to breastfeed, you might want to consider cup-feeding milk to newborns. I’m not a fan of plastic baby bottles for all kinds of reasons and, interestingly, cup feeding – rather than a teat – is recommended by UNICEF as the best way to give milk to newborns in the event of difficulties.

I’ve recently come across the Babycup (8babycup.co.uk), which is perfect for cupfeeding milk to newborns. It’s free from chemical nasties so has no BPA or phthalates and is the perfect size for tiny mouths and little hands.

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)