Gabrielle Palmer’s groundbreaking book The Politics of Breastfeeding highlighted the controversies surrounding the aggressive promotion of breastmilk substitutes. She now turns her attention to complementary feeding the first foods that a child eats besides milk.

One thing no one ever told me about breastfeeding was how messy it would be. I assumed my baby and I would sit there serenely. He would happily and discreetly guzzle away while I would perhaps use my free hand to read a book. Instead, I found myself pinned to the sofa, surrounded by pillows and naked from the waist up, while my son flailed about, kicking out and scratching me – and making embarrassingly loud slurping noises – and milk sprayed wildly from my other boob.
Things only improved when …

Have you tried breastfeeding? I was stunned the first time I picked up my new baby girl and tried to feed her just how heavy she was. I found that it was hard to hold her in position and my arms just weren’t up to the lengthy feeding sessions.
That breastfeeding experience was tricky, but I became more confident with my second and third child. I got the phone number for the local NCT breastfeeding counsellor before DS1 was born and just knowing I had someone on hand if I needed …

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Www.lactivist.co.uk has a whopping 30 % off for Breastfeeding Awareness week so you can buy 3 times as many slogan t-shirts, bags or badges that promote breastfeeding and gentle parenting by just quoting bfaw10 at the checkout. This offer ends on the 27th June 2010.

If you need help at any time with breastfeeding you can contact the NCT or La Leche League for help. They have trained counsellors available to answer calls.  Many areas have breastfeeding support groups or breastfeeding cafes run by Health Visitors and Breastfeeding Counsellors where you can drop in for help or advice. Your Midwife or Health Visitor will also be able to help you with any problems.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy but it is extremely rewarding and the best start you can give your baby.  Good luck!
Advice from breastfeeding mum …

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There are several different positions for breastfeeding, you need to make sure that you choose the most comfortable one for you and that gives your baby the best access to your breast.
You could try holding your baby across your lap and positioning her on a pillow or cushion to get the right height.  You can use either arm to hold her and ensure she is in the right position.
An alternative position is lying down with your bodies parallel to each other.  This is good for the early days or if …

As a mum to a baby born in March, breastfeeding is a subject that is close to my heart and I can rant and rave with the best of them about this topic that seems to be far more controversial than it should be!

How can I prepare for breastfeeding?
You can attend an ante natal class, where you will be able to get some advice on breastfeeding techniques and meet some other mums to be.  You should try to include your partner, and  encourage them to be supportive of your decision to breastfeed.  You can read up on breastfeeding and again, encourage your partner to do some reading.  The more informed you are, the more likely that you will succeed.
Advice from breastfeeding mum and founder of Mamascarf, Keira O’Mara