Our Trust supports the work of child health charity Best Beginnings and would like to encourage our expectant and new mothers to watch their DVD - 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' - which follows real mothers across the UK in their journey from pregnancy to birth to breastfeeding their new babies.
Sue Taylor, the Trust's infant feeding advisor, says: "We want to encourage mums that breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed a baby. The DVD is a fantastic resource, it covers everything from the practical aspects, such as how to get your baby positioned and attached correctly, to social things like breastfeeding in public."
The DVD is a national initiative by child health charity Best Beginnings and has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Health. It's 35 minutes long and offers practical advice, support and information on breastfeeding.
"We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby because there are significant benefits for mother and child," says Sue. "Amongst other things, it protects the baby against chest infections, tummy upsets, eczema, and ear infections; and it actually lowers the mother's risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
"Not everyone knows things like that, and people are often surprised to hear about the benefits. People can only make an informed choice with accurate information and practical support, and that's what we provide."
One of the first mums-in-waiting to view the new DVD was Orsolya Simon from Sutton. She said: "This DVD has inspired me to breastfeed. I was really impressed with the content. I always knew that this was the best start in life for my baby but never realised that the benefits it would have for me, especially reducing my risk of breast cancer. I feel more confident in making a fully informed choice to breastfeed."
Heidi Baptiste, a student midwife at the Trust and a mother, chose not to breastfeed but said the DVD had changed her mind: "It shows a wide range of people from different cultures and once I saw it, I knew I would've breastfed."
We are pleased to offer all of our mothers a package of breastfeeding information - including the link to the Best Beginnings DVD - which forms just part of the advice and support that we offer antenatal mothers and continue to provide when your baby arrives.
We encourage you to take the time to watch 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' online.
Mothers are also given a list of telephone numbers of people who can provide extra help and support with breastfeeding when the mothers are at home.
