Breastfeeding has many proven benefits for both mother and baby, yet in the UK, we have some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 26 weeks of life and then solid food alongside breastfeeding. In 2005, 78% of mothers in England attempted to breastfeed their babies at birth but less than 1% of UK mothers exclusively breastfed to 6 months. This article aims to provide an overview of some of the problems encountered when breastfeeding and how they can be overcome to allow continuation of feeding.
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