App for instant breastfeeding support
Having a baby establishing breastfeeding can bring many joys as well as a few challenges, especially in the middle of the night when instant help is not available.
Many women turn to Google for help, which can often provide incorrect and sometimes harmful information.
Having reliable information at hand won’t be a problem for Stephanie Ayling, who gave birth to her daughter Ellia two days ago.
‘‘Having had complications breastfeeding with my first child, the BreastfedNZ app will be a great tool to help me have a more positive experience breastfeeding Ellia,’’ she said.
’’My midwife has supported me and throughout my entire pregnancy and will continue to do so. It’s great reassurance to have this app at hand for any queries I may have,’’ she added.
The app provides instant and easy to follow information with illustrations, photos and video clips, covering all phases of breastfeeding from latching on, to growth spurts and common problems.
Ayling’s midwife, Ali Jennings, said while there was plenty of information online it can be hard to know what to trust.
‘‘The BreastFedNZ app was developed by health professionals so the information is not only safe and reliable, but being a free phone app it’s readily available in a time of need.’’
Ayling is one of more than 5000 women who have downloaded the app since it was launched last August.
The app was developed by the Midland Maternity Action Group (MMAG), a clinical network of the Midland District Health Boards in response to feedback from a consumer study in 2013.
Taranaki District Health Board midwifery associate director Belinda Chapman said August 1 to 7 is World Breastfeeding Week so the BreastFedNZ app is a great way to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for those who mums who can do so.
‘‘Taranaki DHB recommends that where possible, babies are breastfed for at least the first six months.’’
The app is available on Apple and Android and can be downloaded from iTunes and the Google Play Store.
For more information about the app visit breastfednz.co.nz.