For most of human existence, children went without industrially processed foods and branded food products. Can we applaud the progress of the way children are fed today? In our unequal world one billion people risk their health through overconsumption while two billion people are hungry. The health problems of both groups start in early childhood.

The power and influence of the food industry has increased dramatically in recent decades. Seductive and often unethical modern marketing methods have led to the promotion of unsuitable, unnecessary and sometimes harmful baby foods. Yet not all industrially processed foods are bad and not all natural foods are good. Both poor and rich children may be inappropriately fed.

What lessons can we learn from history? How do cultural and religious beliefs influence the choice of food? Can government initiatives have any effect? How can we provide good nutrition for all infants? This brief, compassionate and thought-provoking new book will be of interest to anyone who is curious about the world, its children and their nutrition, and will stimulate discussion and debate as part of the campaign to create a world where health for all is a true goal.

Things only improved when I got myself a proper feeding pillow. The Boppy pillow is “hug-shaped” to help you find the best position and we have one to give away. To be in with a chance of winning it, simply write a post on your own blog about a favorite or funny parenting moment, mentioning and linking to this post. We will choose a winner at random.

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

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 made an enormous difference. Over the last couple of years I’ve been working with our local NCT editing the newsletter and helping raise the profile of our Breast Friends Breastfeeding support group.

Each time I was very certain that having the right support pillow made a great difference, which is why I was keen to try out the Boppy support pillow.  On first appearance it was cute: the range of covers available makes it easy to pick a design you like. DD, 8, was taken with the pink design and DS is too little to argue! Have a look atwww.boppyworld.co.uk to see the six different designs. The Boppy nursing pillow has had a great following in the US, and I know a few people in the UK who have used it to help support their breastfeeding baby. It is nice and firm, but takes a little while to get the position right. I can see that it would be perfect for a newborn: my giant baby son is perhaps a little on the large size!

If you need support of a different sort, I can recommend
BfN Supporterline: 0300 100 0210
La Leche League Helpline: 0845 120 2918
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
NCT BF supporter line 0300 33 00 771
or visit The Breastfeeding Network’s page which lists different support centres or the Baby Cafe site.

For a little light hearted fun, and for you if you have ever got fed up with advice from well meaning friends, try the Mums Revenge game below. You can add it to your own site and get the code from http://www.boppyworld.co.uk/MomsRevengeBlog.aspx

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Lifft™ slings is a keen advocate of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.  The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance and encourage friends, family and healthcare professionals to provide support for breastfeeding mothers.

Founder and Managing Director of Lifft™ slings, Louise Day said: “National Breastfeeding week is a fantastic way to really promote the benefits of breastfeeding and help mums be aware that it can be practical and fuss-free. From personal experience of being a first-time parent, you are always looking for the best way to nurture and care for your little one from the day they are born.”

The Lifft™ baby carrier has been specially developed so that it can be used as a discreet ‘hands-free’ way to feed your baby. Carrying your little one close will increase your desire and ability to breastfeed for longer as it promotes bonding and understanding between you and your newborn.

It’s always important to wear a correctly fitting bra, but it’s even more important when you are breastfeeding.   Without it, new mums may get painful blocked milk ducts which can lead to the inflammatory mastitis if not treated early, get back ache if breasts aren’t supported properly, or be uncomfortable, which can affect milk let down (the natural reflex for milk being ready to feed baby).

Louise continues “Bras4Mums and Lifft™ really wanted to do something which celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.  We know that new parents have generally had to buy nursery equipment, car seats and clothes, so we thought the best idea was to give a little helping hand and offer an exclusive discount for Bras4Mums customers.”

With at least five alternative ways to wear the Lifft™ sling, this buckle/clasp free sling is great for newborn babies through toddlerhood to three year olds weighing up to 35lbs. With three different colour combinations to choose from, and sizes from 6 through to 22 (not forgetting S, M and L sizes for new dads too), the Lifft™ baby sling is fast becoming the must-have accessory for every new parent.

To buy a Lifft™ baby sling and Bras4Mums Royce bra please go to: www.bras4mums.co.uk and use the promotional code BFLifft. The offer is valid until the 31st July whilst stocks last.  Terms and conditions apply – visit Bras4Mums for more details.

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 and founder of Mamascarf, Keira O’Mara

Go to www.lactivist.net and comment below the relevant draw. Enter by 30th June.

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 you are lying in bed.

Another position for breastfeeding is to hold your baby underarm. This is particularly recommended post caesarean.

Advice from breastfeeding mum and founder of Mamascarf, Keira O’Mara

You’re given so much information on it that you can feel like a failure if for any reason (which there are many) you can’t do it!

So, why is it that when you make the decision that you’re going to do it, you discover a whole new side to it – the side that many people agree with, the side that will make it much harder, the side where breastfeeding in public is wrong!?

During a discussion about breastfeeding a few years ago a male colleague actually compared the ‘getting your boobs out in public’ with exposing himself, saying that if he did anything similar [to breastfeeding] in public he would be arrested!  I understand that we live in the UK, where we drink tea, have a stiff upper lip and are a little prudish, but do people seriously believe that breastfeeding my baby can be sexualized in any way?

We’ve all heard the stories of breastfeeding women being asked to leave restaurants, this raises the question of why can’t my baby eat in public when we all do, if you had the choice of me feeding her or letting her scream with hunger while you eat your dinner, I think I know which you would pick! Oh and to anyone who thinks it may be appropriate, I would like to add, I won’t feed my daughter in the toilet – you wouldn’t eat in there and neither will she!

Don’t get me wrong I know breastfeeding isn’t for everyone and I understand that there are sometimes medical reasons why mums can’t, but I am lucky and can, so I will! My son did not take to feeding for 30 hours after birth, but once he got it, he really did and my daughter took to it shortly after arriving and is still going strong!

Confession time: I am a breastfeeding mum, the first time I breastfed in public was in a football stadium, I’ve sometimes been unsure about public feeding because of other’s attitudes but have overcome it and I will argue the case for breastfeeding!

I am a breastfeeding mum and I am proud of it, I am proud that I breastfeed in public and if you want to hear why, just try and stop me!

By Kelly Brett  http://piddleypix.com/

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