Views sought on breastfeeding in Moray

Professor Grant Cumming

THE benefits of breastfeeding are well known and a drive is on in Moray to encourage and support more mums to do what comes naturally.

Professor Grant Cumming, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Dr Gray's Hospital, is convinced a culture change is needed to get even more women breastfeeding.

"We still have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates of the whole of Western Europe," he said.

A range of health benefits to both mum and baby have been scientifically proven and yet Scotland is still lagging behind many of its European counterparts.

Midwife Aileen Paterson added: "This is not anti-bottle feeding but about giving quality information so that people can make informed choices.

Babies who are breast fed are less likely to develop many illnesses in infancy, childhood and adulthood.

Recent figures show that 70% of women breastfeed when their baby is born but that falls to around 60% by the time they leave hospital.

A local support group, BRAG (Breastfeeding Reassurance and Awareness Group) meets every Thursday in Elgin Community Centre from 10am to 12noon and mums or mums-to-be are welcome to attend.

There is also a website, jointly developed by Prof Cumming, which contains a wealth of information on infant nutrition and breastfeeding. It is www.babyfeedingmatters.co.uk

'The Northern Scot' has joined forces with Dr Gray's to find out local views on breastfeeding and what can be done to support mums who want to breastfeed.

Medical student Caroline Guy is spearheading that research and anyone with a view on the subject can complete a quick and easy online survey which will be used to inform local policy.

* Click here to complete the survey.