Pregnant Mums  

Pregnancy is such an exciting time, full of hope mixed with mild trepidation!  What will it be like when my baby arrives?  The best preparation for breastfeeding is to find out as much as possible in advance.  By meeting up with breastfeeding mums during your pregnancy you can find out what to expect and how to get off to a good start.   We are hoping to establish a library of breastfeeding books to lend out  - pregnancy is a great time to put your feet up and read! 

Give us a call if you'd like to be put in touch with a breastfeeding mum near you for a chat before your baby arrives.  

Or just drop into the Wick or Thurso breastfeeding groups where pregnant mums are always welcome. 

New Mums & new babies!

All breastfeeding mums remember what hard work the first few weeks can be, and how wonderful it is once breastfeeding is established.  Good advice is essential, so if you are having difficulties don't hesitate to ask for help from your midwives and health visitor and keep on asking until the problem is resolved. 

The national breastfeeding helplines will give you suggestions for any problems you have. Support and encouragement is so important in the early days and Caithness Breast Friends are here for you! We know how hard it can be getting out of the house with a new baby, so Caithness Breast Friends are happy to come and visit in hospital or your home.  If you'd like some moral support, just give us a call.

 As your baby grows...

Its always great to be able to chat with other mums who understand your commitment to breastfeeding.   Its reassuring to be able to talk about problems such as slow weight gain or problem sleeping, safe in the knowlegde that the suggestions won't include a bottle of formula! 

We can put you in touch with other mums who match your circumstances.  For instance you may want tips about continuing breastfeeding after returning to work.

And hopefully it won't be all talk about problems!   You can meet up for coffee or lunch just to enjoy the company of other breastfeeding mothers.  You might want to consider getting listed in the Caithness Breastfeeding Fone-A-Friend Directory to offer your support to new mums near you.

 Breastfeeding Beyond the First Year...

The amazing immunological and health benefits of breastmilk don't suddenly disappear when your baby learns to walk.  And the closeness of breastfeeding can be a "safe harbour" for your toddler as he starts to explore the world and explore his limits.

Toddlers are often breastfed out of the public eye and sometimes even close relatives don't realise they are still breastfeeding.  Because of this "invisibility", breastfeeding a toddler can seem like a lonely pursuit - are you the only mum on the planet still breastfeeding?  You are not alone.  Worldwide, the average age of weaning from the breast is estimated to be between three and five - that's years, not months!

The World Health Organisation recommend continuing breastfeeding until at least two years of age. 

Caithness Breast Friends can put you in touch with other mums who have chosen to continue breastfeeding into toddlerhood.