A new leaflet and poster – ‘A grandparent’s guide to supporting breastfeeding’ – have been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
The posters and leaflets are to provide information to grandparents who want to support their daughter or son’s partner who has decided to breastfeed.
These new resources are being launched to coincide with National Breastfeeding Week.
The leaflet answers a number of questions which new grandparents may have, such as: How will I know the baby is getting enough milk? And: If I can’t give the baby a bottle how will I get to know my new grandchild?
The leaflets also give information on the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby.
Research shows that breastfed babies are statistically healthier then bottle fed babies and have a generally lower risk of ear, chest, stomach, kidney and urinary infections. They also have a lower risk overall of severe asthma and eczema, childhood diabetes and obesity and sudden infant death (cot death).
Mothers who breastfeed, are at a statistically lower risk of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Speaking about the new posters and leaflets, Janet Calvert, the PHA’s Regional Lead on Breastfeeding, said: “Supportive grandparents can make a big difference to a new breastfeeding mum.
“Practical help such as with the cooking and shopping, cleaning and laundry will make such a difference, and helps ensure she will have more time to spend with the baby.
“A little bit of encouragement goes a long way it really helps a new mum to know that her family is supportive and that they recognise what an important thing she is doing by breastfeeding her baby.”
Anna Rooney is mum to Colleen McVeigh and the grandmother of three month old Finn McVeigh. She said: “In my day not many mums breastfed, but now I can see the benefits for my grandchildren and I’m glad to help in any way I can.”
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