Breastfeeding is supposed to be the most natural thing in the world. Yet for some mums, it doesn’t come as naturally as it should, and for others they make the decision that it just isn’t for them!
Personally I breastfed both of my children – my first born until 18 weeks and my second until 20 weeks. I gave up due to thinking I couldn’t produce enough for what they wanted. I think in reality I could have and should have breastfed for longer, but the accessibility of formula and bottles, as well as bottle feeding seen as being the ‘norm’ made my decision to give up easy. If I was to have another baby I would definitely try and breast feed for as long as possible.
So is breast really best? You can find a long list of the benefits of breast milk. Here are some of them:
Bonding with your baby
Breast milk is the only natural food designed specifically for your baby
Breastfeeding protects your baby from infections and disease
It’s free
Convenient
No sterilising, warming or preparing
Help to lose that baby weight
Even though there are all these benefits plus more, there are still some mums that make the decision that breast feeding isn’t for them.
Some new mums try breastfeeding and can find it painful — no very, very, very painful! Chapped nipples and even some bleeding as well as engorgement that can even lead to infection (mastitis). Most pain can be caused by baby not latching on properly and proper positioning, however some people just find this too much and so give up.
For those mums that have problems there is more help than ever. Here in Lincoln, we have breast start groups. One is at Birchwood Sure Start Centre: this is a drop-in clinic that runs on a Thursday between 11.30am through to 2.30pm. You can also find breast feeding councillors through the Lincoln branch of NCT. There is also a Lincoln based breast start Facebook page. The group is very interactive and there are more than enough mums with experience and professionals there to answer any questions you may have.
If you are having troubles breastfeeding don’t suffer in silence, get in contact and get some help and advice. If you make the decision to give up breast feeding as things have got too much and you can’t cope, don’t beat yourself up about it, you have made the decision that is best for you and your baby.
I personally think formula milk is a great substitute to breast milk and I completely understand that some mums make the choice not to breastfeed, I believe it is a personal choice and one that no-one should influence.
Janie Pengilly is a Lincoln mum of two, both under the age of 4, that keep her busy. As well as being a stay-at-home mum, she is also the editor of the new online magazine, Lincoln Mums.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.