Breastfeeding case studies

Case Study

Justine King, of Norwich, has two children - Sonny, eight, and 20-month-old Kitty. She has breastfed both of them, and continues to breastfeed Kitty today.

Justine, a graphic designer, said: "I breastfed Sonny until he was eight months old, when he started nursery. I had heard so many positive things about breastfeeding and thought I would give it a go."

Justine gave birth to Sonny at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and was impressed by the support offered to breastfeeding mums.

"The hospital was brilliant. The staff wouldn't let me leave until they were happy that he was feeding properly," she said.

Kitty also fed well in hospital, but when she became distressed and wouldn’t feed on arrival at home, help was again at hand.

Justine contacted her health visitor who recommended breastfeeding support. She received a home visit within minutes - and was given advice that enabled her to start feeding Kitty again.

"Kitty had been inconsolable and I needed help," Justine recalled. "But thanks to the advice I was given she fed OK again straight away."

Justine is convinced that breastfeeding has been the best way forward for her and her children - it has enhanced her relationship with Sonny and Kitty, and she believes that it has even helped tone her stomach muscles.

"I think the closeness you can develop with your baby is a huge benefit of breastfeeding," she said.

"Also, breast milk is the right temperature for your baby, it's convenient for mother and child, and it's free. I think it has made Sonny and Kitty stronger.

"I'd advise anyone considering breastfeeding their baby to persevere. An extra night in hospital after giving birth to enable yourself to become familiar with breastfeeding is worth it, for you and your child.”

Case Study

Hannah Lazarus, of Swanton Morley, has two children - Jay, six, and baby Luca who was born in April 2011. She has breastfed both of them.

“My mum is a health visitor and I was lucky enough to have been brought up with the understanding that breast is best. It was partly convenience too. I couldn't face the thought of getting up in the night to make bottles!

"As a new mum I wanted to do what was best for Jay. I felt that breastfeeding was the most natural and healthy option."

Jay was born with a tongue tie, which was later corrected. Hannah breastfed him until he was four months old.

"Jay was a very healthy baby and I attribute that to the fact that he was breastfed,” she said.

“To this day he very rarely gets ill. I believe he had a good start in life through breastfeeding. I feel very glad that, although I didn’t get to breastfeed as long as I would have liked, we did our best and it was still hugely beneficial for him.”

She added: “It gave me this overwhelming feeling of love and compassion and connection with my child. It was such a beautiful experience and it helped me to gain confidence as a new, young mother. I felt like I was really fulfilling my role as Jay’s mum.”
 

Case study

Gemma Beagles, of Sedgeford near Hunstanton, has two children - Aidan, three, and 17-week-old Leah. She breastfed Aidan for six weeks, and continues to breastfeed Leah today.

"I wanted to breastfeed because I knew it was better for them, to build up their immune systems," she said.

"I also think that it helps you to bond with your baby better."

Gemma says she is more aware of the support available to breastfeeding mums since having Leah.

She attends a breastfeeding group, and also has the support of a health visitor. The mums at the breastfeeding group have older children as well as babies, and there is always someone to offer support and advice.

"You can ask any questions - the mums there have been there and done it," Gemma said.

"It is reassuring. It makes you feel that if they can do it, then so can you."

Aidan was a contented baby, which Gemma attributes to breastfeeding him. Through breastfeeding Leah she is experiencing other benefits too.

"There is definitely a better bond between the two of us through breastfeeding. I know I'm giving her something that is good for her," she said.

Gemma added: "I would advise other mums who are thinking of breastfeeding to persevere with it. There is so much support available. If you need to, ask for help. You will get it."

Case study

Amy, 35, is a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, and mother to 8-month-old Alfie. 

She added: "My mother breastfed me and I always knew it was something I wanted to do. I breastfed Alfie from the moment he was born, but if it was not for the breastfeeding support drop-in clinic that Rachel and I go to, I know I would have given up.

"It wasn't easy, but I carried on, and I'm still breastfeeding now. To have ongoing support is so important."