Encouraging Breastfeeding In The United Kingdom

By: warmhugs Mood: full of life Date: 07/19/2007 16:28:33 Music: None

Britain has started a campaign to encourage more women to breastfeed their babies. This is especially true for babies that have been born with neonatal problems and required hospitalization.

The campaign is especially aimed at the mothers of over 90,000 babies who need to be hospitalized within the special or intensive care baby units when they are first born. The NIHR is hoping to find ways to encourage more of these women to spend time breastfeeding their newborn baby. This is especially important for babies within the special or intensive care units.

According to Professor Mary Renfrew of the University of York, “Breast milk helps protect babies against illness, and for premature, small and sick newborn babies the health benefits are especially important,” she stated. Thus by breastfeeding, the babies have a better chance of becoming healthy enough to be released from hospital.

Not only is breastfeeding being encouraged in babies who have been hospitalized, but in most women in general. When compared to the rest of Europe, the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates. This is a concern because these babies within the UK are more likely to be born smaller or premature.