MOTHERS at the Royal Free will soon be able to breast feed their babies together in a specialist room, writes Sunita Rappai.
A 24-hour breastfeeding sitting room allowing mothers to swap notes, is to be opened on Wednesday by actress in Bridget Jones, Sally Phillips, who had a baby at the hospital last year. The room, complete with padded rocking chairs, will provide a calm atmosphere away from the hurly burly of the postnatal wards, say staff.
Jean Waldman, babyfeeding advisor at the hospital, said: “People are often behind their curtains on the ward having the same experiences. A chat with another breastfeeding mother can make a big difference.”
Government guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life as it provides all the nutrients that a baby needs. Around 85 per cent of mothers who have their babies at the Royal Free breastfeed, compared with around 70 per cent nationally.
Ms Waldron said: “Some have made the decision before they become pregnant. Others decide to breastfeed because they hear from midwives and doctors how the nutrition and protection it offers is exactly what babies need to grow well and healthy.
“Many women also want the benefits for themselves that breastfeeding for the first six months brings, including helping them to lose weight and providing protection from breast cancer and osteoporosis.”
The hospital hopes the new room will also encourage mothers who unsure that breastfeeding is the right choice for them. Ms Waldron said: “Of course we do get mothers who aren’t sure what to do. We make sure they get the right information to enable them to make an informed choice.
“Often we find that someone hasn’t considered breastfeeding but once they hear about the many advantages they decide to try it. That’s very rewarding.”
The opening coincides with National Breastfeeding Awareness week which runs from May 8 to 14.