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Breastfeeding even for a single day can help improve babies' future wellbeing, new mothers are being told today. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) says it wants to encourage women to take one day at a time when breastfeeding because every feed makes a positive difference to mother and baby.
Britain has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe: almost a third of women in England and Wales never try to breastfeed, compared with just 2 per cent in Sweden.
In 2003 the Government set primary care trusts (PCTs) a target to increase the number of women starting to breastfeed by 2 per cent a year. But a survey of 500 women for the NCT found that more than half (55 per cent) did not know that the benefits of breastfeeding started on day one.
Research shows breastfeeding for just one day makes a difference to a baby's health by stabilising blood sugar, protecting the gut and providing natural antibodies against disease.
The NCT is concerned that a lack of knowledge, and a lack of support from those around them, may be putting mothers off starting breastfeeding. Its survey also showed that nine out of 10 people did not know that breastfeeding for just one month had a lasting impact on health during the first 14 years of a child's life.
Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) did not know that mixed feeding " giving both breast milk and artificial milk " still provided some protection from infections for babies under six months.
Almost half of women (49 per cent) did not know breastfeeding also reduced the risk of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer for the mother. But more than half of women (55 per cent) were aware of the recommendation for babies to receive only breastmilk for the first six months of life. Nine out of 10 also knew that continuing to breastfeed when solid foods have been introduced was beneficial for the baby.
The NCT chief executive Belinda Phipps said: 'If more mums knew this they would feel it was worth starting breastfeeding even if they are not sure about how long they will continue. Because the benefits start right from the first feed, any amount of breastfeeding is a reason to feel proud. This is especially important for the nine out of 10 who stop breastfeeding before they want to.'
Ms Phipps said many women who stopped breastfeeding felt they had failed, but they should realise that each day makes a difference.
'The NCT wants women and those that support them to celebrate every day that they breastfeed. Society also has a crucial role: by creating a culture where breastfeeding is the norm, more mums will have the confidence to start breastfeeding and their babies will benefit from something unique and special.'
More help and advice is available from the NCT Breastfeeding Line on 0870 444 8708 or by visiting www.nct.org.uk/breastfeeding.
Copyright © 2005 Independent Newspapers (UK) Limited Source: Financial Times Information Limited Monday, 09 May 2005
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