Welcome to Plymouth Latch on Breastfeeding Groups

Here is our new face to face timetable for all Latch on groups over the Xmas period

Why Breastfeed?

The benefits of breastfeeding for a mother and her baby are not just measured in health terms, but in the pride a mum feels when she looks at her healthy, growing breastfed baby. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.  You and your baby will continue to reap the benefits even after the introduction of solid foods into your babies diet.

Any amount of breastfeeding will have a positive impact on your baby’s health and development.

Just one day of breastfeeding makes a difference to a baby’s health by stabilising their blood sugars, protecting their gut and providing natural antibodies against disease.

Thank GOODNESS for breastfeeding:

For information on how to breastfeed, please ask your Midwife, Health Visitor or Latch on peer supporter. You can find some common breastfeeding positions and information on good attachment in our Bump to Baby  or the NHS/Unicef leaflet ‘Off to the best start’

Map below has all breastfeeding groups in Plymouth (and wider Devon).

Devon Libraries offer baby weighing in various locations details here Baby weighing in Devon libraries

All groups are correct as far as we know – if there are any changes/corrections please let us know on oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net and we will update the map

Below are details of the groups in Cornwall

Devon groups are here; devon.gov.uk/positive-about-breastfeeding/support-groups/

Benefits for baby

• Breastmilk gives your baby all the nutrients she needs
• Breastmilk is easy for your baby to digest
• Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from ear, tummy and urinary infections by passing on the mother’s antibodies
• Breastfeeding helps mother and baby to bond both physically and emotionally
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop childhood diabetes or become obese in later life
• Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from asthma or eczema
• Breastmilk is available at all times, and is warm, clean and free
• Breastfed babies benefit from improved neurological and cognitive development

Benefits for Mum

• Breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers
• Breastfeeding mothers are less likely to suffer from weak bones in later life
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract faster
• Breastfeeding can help delay the return of your periods
• Breastfeeding uses up at least 500 calories every day
• Breastfeeding gives you a special intimate time with your baby
• Breastfeeding gives you and your baby time to get to know each other

As well as getting you and your baby off to the best possible start, you are also helping the environment too:-

• Breastmilk does not need to be warmed up, no kettles to boil!
• Breastmilk does not need to be packaged or labelled
• Breastmilk does not need to be transported miles to reach the consumer

You can do something amazing for your baby, give breastmilk.

Plymouth Latch on is part of the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing team.

Enjoy a Healthier Life

One You Plymouth is a health promotion hub, a point-of-contact that anyone can use to find out about lifestyle issues and how to make changes that can help prevent ill-health. It is backed up by professionally trained Health Improvement staff.