Why breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed your baby. It is good for your baby’s health. Breast milk helps to protect babies from gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes and allergies. It is also good for your health, it will aid your recovery from childbirth and in the long term it reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
Breastfeeding will promote bonding between you and your baby and it makes you feel good. Breast milk provides all your baby will need in the first six months. It’s free, takes no preparation, is always at the right temperature and it never runs out.
Why be part of a breastfeeding group?
There is strong evidence to suggest that new mothers who have the support of other breastfeeding women are likely to encounter fewer problems in the early stages, when getting attachment right and initiating a good supply of milk are so important. If the first few weeks go well you will be able to continue to feed for as long as you and your baby want to and the contacts you will have made through being part of a group will be in place to give help and guidance through the various stages of your baby’s development.
Groups like BreastfeedingBerwick provide support and informal advice in a friendly, relaxed environment. This can be a good starting point for other social activities and often lasting friendships are made between women who are experiencing similar things.
Breastfeeding my child was such a different experience this time around; making good friends and getting support and advice at the drop-in. Any problems I had just seemed so much smaller and more manageable when I was able to talk it through with people who were experiencing 
the same things I was.
Laura