Get fed the facts try the ABM (Breastfeeding Support)

Member Name: Place

Product:	Breastfeeding Support
Date:	12/03/03 (37 review reads)
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Advantages: 24 hour volunteer information, consistent in the information they give, mums that have 'done it' and read the theory

Disadvantages: don't have funds to be widely known, don't have the funds to help out or home visit widely

Why do you need support? you might ask. Well for thousands of years we've all survived by being breastfed - no formulas till the early 20th century. So why do we need support for something that is 'natural' and normal? - We've lost the art and been taken over by the multi million pound advertising of big business that want you to bu their products - formual, bottles, teats, sterilisers etc.etc. breastfeeding doesn't compete with the advertising - afteral there's no money to be gained from it.

So why the support (i'm rambling again!), How many people have actually watched someone breastfeed - not many. We've had years of scientists trying to evaulate feeding and coming up with weird and wonderful ideas and written books telling us how/when/what to feed babies - unfortunately the babies haven't read the books!

Who are the 'experts' on breastfeeding - well 'some' researchers/doctors, but mainly mums who've done it. Some of these mums go on to train and learn the 'technical' bits - so can speak from experience and from 'theory'. So these 'counsellors', 'supporters' and 'Lactations consultants' are the experts.

If you want the facts - speak to the experts. There are 5 main organisations full of experts - the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, Breastfeeding Network, La Leche League, Nactional Childbirth Trust and International Lactation Consultants Assocation.

You might get mixed messages from doctors, midwives or health visitors about breastfeeding, but if you want consistent, up to date and accurate information, support and encouragement, speak to the experts. You could ring any of the organisations i'm sure and get the same information.

And, who would I chose - the ABM - the one that is for everyone ~(my personal view of course). Don't forget thought that all of these organisations are run by volunteers - so no
thing to gain financially (of course theycould always do with funds), the exception being the Lactation Consultants who practise privately sometimes for a fee.

So get support if you want, be prepared, an get fed the facts

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