Breastfeeding

Start4Life

It's never too early to get your baby on the right path to a healthier, happier future. Please visit the Start4Life page for information and useful tips on feeding and getting your little one on the move – and everything in between.

Start4life (external link) 

We aim to raise public awareness of the health protections that breastfeeding gives babies, such as more protection from:

• gastro-enteritis
• chest and ear infections
• diabetes
• allergies and other illnesses. 

Mothers, too, have more protection fro m some cancers and from weak bones in later life.

Follow the links on this page to find out more about:

• the businesses in your area supporting the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme
• your local breastfeeding group and details of regular activities in your area
• the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative in Welsh hospitals and communities
• the essential advice on breastfeeding and returning to work – for mums and employers
• the benefits of taking Vitamin D supplements – for mums during pregnancy and  breastfeeding, and for infants in their early years.

"From bump to breastfeeding"

A digital versatile disc (DVD) has been produced for parents entitled 'From bump to breastfeeding'.  For further information on the DVD and to view the trailer, visit the best beginnings website (English only) 

Publication of revised advice for peanut consumption during pregnancy, breastfeeding and early life.

The Welsh Government and Food Standards Agency (FSA) Wales now advise that:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can choose to eat peanuts or foods containing peanuts, whether or not they have a family history of allergies.
• Mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies up to 6 months.  If mothers choose to start giving solid foods earlier, they should not
  introduce peanuts or other nuts, seeds, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish (or foods containing these) until after 6 months.
• Where a child has a known allergy, or if there is a history of allergy in a child's immediate family, m others should talk to their general practitioner, health visitor or medical allergy specialist.

Related external links

For further information visit the FSA website.

Visit the FSA's 'Eat well, be well' website for general advice on peanut allergy.

More detailed information on infant feeding and weaning is also available on the NHS Choices website.