Latest news with #MarleyHenry
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I'm a midwife – here's my top tops for new mums to make breastfeeding easier
'I always say, trust your instincts as you know your baby best. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support' BREAST ADVICE I'm a midwife – here's my top tops for new mums to make breastfeeding easier Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEW research has discovered that three quarters of Scots mums experience breastfeeding difficulties. Baby lifestyle brand Munchkin has uncovered the significant physical, emotional and practical challenges that lead to nearly half of mums in the UK to stop breastfeeding prematurely. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Marley has come up with advice to encourage continued breastfeeding. 3 Marley Henry believes that the Flow Nipple Shield + can help mums see that their baby is getting enough breastmilk. While 90 per cent of women who stopped breastfeeding within the first six weeks did not want to, but did so due to issues such as latching difficulties, low milk supply, and uncertainty about milk flow. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS speaks to midwife Marley Henry about steps that can be taken to help mums breastfeed their babies for longer. THE benefits of breastfeeding are universally accepted and well known - but not every mother has success feeding their newborn in the most natural way. This can lead to feelings of shame and failure especially but Marley Henry believes that every mum's 'breastfeeding journey' is different. She said: 'There is no shame in finding breastfeeding challenging. 'The most important thing is that you are doing your best for your baby in whatever way works for you. 'I always say, trust your instincts as you know your baby best. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support from a healthcare professional or an infant feeding specialist who can work with you to address any challenges. 'Remember, seeking advice or help isn't a sign of failure, it's a sign of strength and commitment to your baby's well-being.' The research by Munchkin found that the number one reason mums across the UK stop breastfeeding earlier than planned is due to concerns that they were not producing enough milk But there are new products on the market including the innovative Flow Nipple Shield + which is the first-ever nipple shield with a see-through channel. Ferne McCann cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter & others also spot 'massive choking hazard' This enables mums to see their milk flow in real-time and continue their breastfeeding journey with confidence. Marley said: 'As a midwife with 16 years of experience, I'm not surprised by what Munchkin has uncovered. 'Their findings that 90 per cent of mums stop breastfeeding due to the challenges they face reflects what I've seen firsthand. 'One of the biggest reasons mums stop breastfeeding before they're ready is the belief that they don't have enough milk, an age-old concern likely stemming all the way back to the 1950s when formula and bottle feeding became the norm.' She adds: 'Today the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, worsened by limited support for mums who wish to continue breastfeeding. 'Many mums often face latch problems, painful nipples, or feeding challenges with premature babies. 'But Flow Nipple Shield provides a real-time visual of milk flow, which not only addresses latch issues but can also build confidence in milk production, which is a key concern that often causes mums to stop breastfeeding prematurely. Another reason cited by mums is a worry about how others will view them when breastfeeding in public - that's despite breastfeeding being protected under the Equalities Act. Marley said: 'A lack of public breastfeeding-friendly spaces and social stigma often leave mums feeling judged and self-conscious about breastfeeding in public. 'Legislation surrounding breastfeeding has significantly improved, meaning that there is greater access to spaces where mums can feed comfortably. 'For instance, it's now illegal to ask a mother to leave a public space simply because she is breastfeeding. 'However, societal attitudes still have room for growth. We need to keep championing the idea that breastfeeding is not something that needs to be hidden or tolerated, it's a completely normal and natural way to feed a baby. 'Encouraging open conversations, cultural shifts, and better community support will help ensure that all mums feel confident and comfortable breastfeeding, wherever they choose to do so.' The findings also revealed that only 12 per cent of mums in Scotland breastfeed for the first year while the World Health Organisation is working to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months up to at least 50 per cent by the end of 2025. And Marley believes that 'education is the key'. She explains: 'Expectant mothers should start learning about breastfeeding before their baby arrives to build confidence and understanding it works. 'Your body produces small quantities of colostrum in the first few days, which is packed with nutrients and antibodies, but this is normal, and it's important to know that you won't see dozens of wet nappies right away like you might with formula feeding. 'From a medical standpoint, breastfeeding has immense benefits. It provides your baby with essential antibodies and nutrients that boost their immune system. 'While for mums it supports recovery, lowers the risk of certain cancers and supports post-pregnancy recovery by helping the uterus contract and burning extra calories.' She adds: 'But breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact during feeding releases the 'love hormone' oxytocin, which strengthens your connection and promotes a sense of calm for both of you. 'While breastfeeding is an incredible way to nourish and connect with your baby, preparation and the right support can make all the difference. 'So, don't wait until after your baby arrives, educate yourself while you're pregnant and seek guidance from experts when needed.'
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Research reveals challenges of breastfeeding with almost three quarters of mums in Scotland experiencing difficulties
In the lead up to World Breastfeeding Week (1st – 7th August), a series of research from Munchkin reveals the stark reality of breastfeeding in the UK as almost three quarters (70%) of mums in Scotland struggle with breastfeeding, the second highest in the UK, topped only by the East Midlands (71%). Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... mThe study lifts the lid on the physical, emotional, and practical barriers that lead to almost three quarters of mums in Scotland (60%) to stop breastfeeding prematurely6. 90% of mums in the UK who stopped in the first six weeks admitted they didn't want to but felt compelled to due to challenges they faced7, ranging from latching issues and low milk supply to uncertainty about milk flow. While uncertainty and doubt regarding milk flow, was most prevalent with younger mums aged 16 – 24 across the UK with a third (33%) of them identifying this as a major concern. The research also discovered one in five mums in the UK were unable to overcome the challenges they faced9. To address these challenges Munchkin is launching the Flow Nipple Shield +, an innovative solution designed to provide real-time visual confirmation of milk flow, with a see-through channel. Made from soft, ultra-thin silicone to feel as natural as possible, the Flow Nipple Shield+ is designed to support latching success and encourages continued breastfeeding. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To further support mums on their breastfeeding journey, Munchkin will have a qualified midwife available online from 21st July for 8 hours a day for personalised guidance and support. Outside of these hours, AI assistance will be provided, ensuring continuous support. Flow Nipple Shield+ starter pack Diana Griffiths, Senior Director, Marketing EMEA, from Munchkin said, 'This innovative product comes in response to findings that over 96% of breastfeeding mums in Scotland have sought out and tried products to assist their journey10, with popular options including breast pumps, support pillows, and nipple shields. By offering a product that directly addresses the issues of milk flow, latching, and confidence, we hope to empower mums to overcome the hurdles of breastfeeding and create a positive and fulfilling experience for themselves and their babies.' 'In a world where many mums are faced with breastfeeding challenges, the Flow Nipple Shield + stands out as an invaluable tool for those who need one' added Marley Henry, UK Registered Midwife and Breastfeeding Supporter. 'Many mums often feel that they don't have enough support from healthcare professionals and family members to face breastfeeding challenges. Issues such as latch problems, painful nipples, and trying to navigate feeding a premature baby are common, so it's not surprising that almost three quarters of mums in Scotland struggle in their journey11. This can often prompt the use of a nipple shield. As well as helping to support these issues, Flow can add an additional layer of confidence by allowing mums to see their milk flowing in real-time. 'This innovative product has been designed to address one of the primary concerns that can prematurely end a mum's breastfeeding journey – the doubt about milk production. With its unique design, Flow not only boosts confidence by supporting with latch challenges, but can encourage mums to continue breastfeeding, fostering a longer, more fulfilling breastfeeding experience and strengthening the mum-infant bond as they navigate this rewarding journey together.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The research also highlighted the emotional toll on partners during the breastfeeding journey. Partners in Scotland have been revealed as the most concerned (68%) about their partner's challenges12, with over a third (37%) feeling overwhelmed and just under a third (31%) admitting to feeling helpless in providing adequate support13. Many turned to solutions, with over half (56%) in Scotland reporting that they explored breastfeeding products to help their partners navigate the journey14. Montana Brown, Former Love Islander, TV personality and maternal health campaigner Montana Brown, Former Love Islander, TV personality and maternal health campaigner, commented, 'Almost half of mums struggle with their breastfeeding journey15. It can be so tough and it is often so hard to tell how much milk baby is getting whilst feeding especially when trying to find your feet. Testing the Flow Nipple Shield + has given me that added reassurance and confidence boost when feeding, that I know will help so many mums.' The Flow Nipple Shield + Starter Kits (shield, cleaning syringe, and travel case) is available for purchase for £19.99 (RRP) at Mamas & Papas, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon. The sizing tool can be purchased for £4.99 on the Munchkin website or downloaded for free online there too.
