Mums’ advice on breastfeeding

Mums and babies from the Coatbridge breastfeeding group have made a series of videos to help other new mothers become confident about breastfeeding.

They can be viewed on the NHS Lanarkshire Facebook page, and show the local parents sharing their experiences and passing on advice such as what to wear and feeling confident about feeding when out and about.

Public health nutritionist Susan Short said:“The best advice and support you can get when you have a baby is often from other mums, and we hope these videos will offer some practical tips to support mothers to breastfeed.

“We hope by using these and knowing where in Lanarkshire you can be confident in breastfeeding, we’re helping to make breastfeeding as easy as possible for new mums; and would also encourage women to come to our breastfeeding groups to meet mums and get support.”

Meanwhile, news of an increase in Scotland’s breastfeeding figures – to 63 per cent of babies born in 2016-2017, and 41 per cent still being breastfed at six to eight weeks – has been welcomed by Elaine Smith, the Central Scotland MSP.

The Coatbridge-based politician introduced Holyrood’s breastfeeding act in 2005, and said:“I’m delighted that we can see tangible benefits.

“However, the Scottish Government must do more to promote breastfeeding and ensure it’s celebrated and supported – as it’s good for mums and babies, good for society and good for the public purse.”