Breastfeeding reduces risk of cot death

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) has some new advice for mums to help launch their Save a Baby Month throughout May, and former Coronation Street star Angela Griffin is helping them get the message across.

Research has shown that babies who were at least partly breastfed were one-third less likely to die as a cot death than babies who were never breastfed.

FSID Director, Joyce Epstein, says: 'There are so many reason why breast is best, but there are none that can be stronger than potentially saving your child's life. We encourage every new mum to breastfeed.'

Sally Inch, infant feeding specialist at Oxford Radcliffe NHS Trust, says: 'The more we discover about breastfeeding, the more important is becomes. Not only does breastfeeding provide the baby with all the nutrients needed, in a form that cannot be replicated artificially, but a baby who is breastfed has a reduced risk of infections.'

Celebrity mum-of-two Angela Griffin breastfed both of her daughters and says: 'Realising you're the only person in the world who can give your child exactly what they need is such a great feeling.'

Any breastfeeding, even a few days, is better than none, but most authorities, including the Dept of Health, now recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for at least six months, and that breastfeeding is continued, with the addition of appropriate weaning foods, for as long as the mother and baby want.

If you would like breastfeeding advice or support please contact your midwife or health visitor, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0844 209 0920.

For advice on safe baby care please call the FSIDs helpline on 020 7233 2090 or visit their website at www.fsid.org.uk 

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