29 March 2019

Here in the Borders we are proud to have a successful breastfeeding programme with over half of all Borders babies being breastfed at 10-14 days after birth, and around 45% still being breastfed at 6-8 weeks. Both of these figures are higher than the national average.

If you are considering breastfeeding some of the benefits include:

  • Your breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
  • Breastfeeding is free, convenient and always ready to use - you don't need to sterilise bottles or teats
  • Breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
  • Breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby
  • Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women, their infants and society as a whole

Dr Tim Patterson, Director of Public Health, said: "We actively encourage mothers to make informed choice, based on their circumstances, on how they feed their baby. Breastfeeding provides health benefits for both mums and babies, for example breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of infections, diarrhoea and vomiting, obesity and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. In addition to this mums lower their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease adn obesity.

Barbara Jessop, Health Improvement Specialist - Maternal and Infant Nutrition, added: "In the first 24 hours after birth your baby's tummy will be about the size of a cherry so they will usually wake and feed often; this is completely normal and will settle down. Your midwife, health visitor or family nurse will give you lots of support and information to help you establish breastfeeding.

"If a loved one, such as your partner, daughter, sister or friend is breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, please help to support them whatever way you can. This may be by giving them time and space, helping them get settled and comfortable before they breastfeed or simply making them a cup of tea. We would also encourage everyone in the Borders to help support our Breastfeeding in the Borders programme by promoting breastfeeding as a perfectly normal activity within our public spaces and communities."

Breastfeeding in the Borders Support (BiBS) provides support and guidance to all women for as long as is required. This support can be accessed within the postnatal ward, breastfeeding groups and antenatal classes.

Our volunteers work alongside hospital and community health professionals and the support they offer to families complements the support and care all women routinely receive. If you have experience of breastfeeding and would like to volunteer to support other women through the BiBS programme please get in touch by calling 01835 825970.

Further information about BiBS can be found by clicking here.