Breastfeeding is the next natural step after labour and allows the newborn infant to continue receiving the best nourishment and nuturing following birth. With appropriate support, most women can successfully brestfeed their infants. Breastfeeding is a skill and does not always come naturally to all women therefore it requires lots of practice, perseverance and patience.

Both the Department of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend that:-

• Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants
• Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 26 weeks of life (six months)
• Solids should be introduced around six months of age
• Breastfeeding should continue beyond the first six months, with appropriate types and amounts of solid food

There is help available to new mothers to achieve these goals from a variety of services including pharmacists, GP's, midwives, health visitors, partners, breastfeeding peer supporters and voluntary organisations.