We began this month with World Breastfeeding Awareness Week (1-7 August) – the global campaign aims to inform and raise awareness about breastfeeding and related issues.

PAH is proud to be accredited by the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative, supporting families with their feeding choices and improving standards of care.

There is a wide range of information to be aware of when approaching breastfeeding.

Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include:

·       It promotes bonding between you and your baby

·       It burns 500 calories a day

·       There is less likelihood of postnatal depression

·       There is less likelihood of ovarian and pre and post-menopausal breast cancer

·       It helps to make your bones stronger

Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby include:

·       It helps to prevent tummy bugs, ear nose and throat infections

·       There is less likelihood of asthma and eczema

·       There is less likelihood of obesity and diabetes in adulthood

·       There is less likelihood of hospital admission in the first year of life

·       It encourages brain development

Very occasionally, there are sound medical reasons for not breastfeeding. For example, if you are taking a medicine that could harm your baby, such as drugs for treating cancer. 

If you’re not sure whether you should breastfeed your baby, please speak to a midwife or health visitor for information and support.

For more information, please visit:

·       The National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

·       The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453

·       La Leche League International: 0345 120 2918

·       National Childbirth Trust: 0300 330 0700

·       The Breastfeeding Network Supporter Line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300 456 2421