Conference - Breastfeeding: a public health priority

Receiving fab feedback from #breastfeeding2018. A huge thank you to all our exceptional speakers and to our partner @R_S_P_H and supporter @ WBTI. It was a very dynamic day with masses of learning and collaboration. @iHealthVisiting

@JonAshworth Hope it goes well Jon! Great cause ❤️ loved your intervention at @iHealthVisiting #Breastfeeding2018 day this week.

And this is just the costs of the GP appointments! Doesn’t even include the £48 MILLION the NHS could save in treating breast cancer, NEC and childhood infections - or the £14 BILLION impact on the UK economy of cognitive and productivity outcomes #breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/betterbfing/status/986933358411370497 …

So helpful to shine a light on breastfeeding yesterday at #breastfeeding2018. Take home messages: normalise breastfeeding to increase continuation, have enough peer supporters and HVs to support mums, link your GP to the GP network for information for mums, don’t forget MH issues

Perfect post conference read #breastfeeding2018 @R_S_P_H @iHealthVisiting @wbtiuk @JonAshworth @babyfriendly @RCPCHPresident @heartsmilkbank @gp_aulait @GP_IFN @BetterBfing @makesmilk Breastfeeding as a public heath responsibility:a review of the evidence  https://bit.ly/2qM3n1T 

@Prof_AmyBrown @iHealthVisiting @JonAshworth @babyfriendly @RCPCHPresident @makesmilk @BetterBfing @heartsmilkbank @GP_IFN @gp_aulait Quick copy and paste with hashtag! #breastfeeding2018

Commissioning local infant feeding services? Case study from @ABetterMedway #BesideYou, guidance from @PHE_uk @babyfriendly, summary from @BetterBfing. See also @wbtiuk recs #Ind6  http://bit.ly/2fisV3x  #breastfeeding2018 #publichealth @WeCommissioners @R_S_P_H @iHealthVisiting  https://twitter.com/gp_ifn/status/987023626284294144 …

Addressing gaps in #HP training in infant feeding: @babyfriendly leading work on pre-reg standards for #paeds, #dieticians, #pharmacists #breastfeeding2018

Vital role of #peersupport is a common theme at #breastfeeding2018 Conf @wbtiuk recommendations, #Ind6 @UCLan research, @makesmilk @BfN_UK and @AlisonSpiro presentations #ImNotAlone #MumToMum @AssocBfMothers @LLLGB #babycafe @babyfriendly @PHE_uk guidance, @BetterBfing briefing

Hearing from many speakers that #HealthVisitors are “lynchpin” of support 4 families in the community, can signpost to #peersupport or #specialistservice as needed #universalservices @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H @AlisonSpiro @bestbeginnings @babyfriendly @wbtiuk #breastfeeding2018

The impact of #breastfeeding on #maternal and #infant health outlined by @RCPCHPresident and @heartsmilkbank: #healthinequity #publichealth #breastfeedingmatters at #breastfeeding2018 Conf with @iHealthVisiting and @R_S_P_H

Standards and training from @babyfriendly outlined by #SueAshmore set minimum standard in pre-reg training for MW and HV, and practices in maternity and community settings. See also @wbtiuk recommendations #Ind2 #Ind5 #Ind6  http://bit.ly/2fisV3x  #breastfeeding2018

Really important insights into the gaps in medical training in #InfantFeeding and the impact on mothers and babies, from @GP_IFN. See also @wbtiuk recommendations #Ind5 in part 1 & 2 #HPtraining #breastfeeding2018  http://bit.ly/2gLnPMs 

At @R_S_P_H yesterday, I mentioned collaborative working in Haringey btwn health visiting team & bf volunteers/ peer supporters. Shout out to fab Health Visitor Assistant Yvonne Montrose & many health visitors: Vicky, Jackie, Kate...too many to name! #breastfeeding2018 @IHV

@iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H @wbtiuk Gutted to have missed out on all this great learning and re-framing of views. Thanks for the titbits. Hehe. #breastfeeding2018

Labour pledges to give every new mum an extra session with a health visitor - As announced by @JonAshworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, at our #breastfeeding conference yesterday.  http://bit.ly/2HORNdI   http://bit.ly/2HO9NVz  #breastfeeding2018 #healthvisiting

Lots nees to be done to encourage #breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/NBHelpline/status/986896974384390144 …

 http://tinyurl.com/yc2pkwlj  @iHealthVisiting reports 50% cuts to breastfeeding support. Sign and share our petition to end these cuts @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018

Hi @ZoeASargent, hope you were able to follow our conference yesterday on Breastfeeding: A Public Health Priority”, with @iHealthVisiting and @R_S_P_H, looking at how @wbtiuk could improve support for@families in the community. Follow #breastfeeding2018

Media coverage of our conference yesterday with @iHealthVisiting and @R_S_P_H “#Breastfeeding: A Public Health Priority.” Follow #breastfeeding2018  https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/news-topics/public-health/health-visitor-cuts-negatively-affecting-breastfeeding-support/7024145.article …

News report online after #Breastfeeding2018 event yesterday in London  https://www.nursingtimes.net/7024145.article?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NT_EditorialNewsletters.Reg%3A+Send+-+Nursing+Times+Daily+News&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWm1RMll6aGpOVFpsWlRRMyIsInQiOiJVbDFkS0FsRkxFa05OOWo0VHdoRGhoUEx4RngzYVJVT3NwaW1nekR4RTh3M2NZdWN0T0VlMDVMd0dTWklcL3FvUmFRV3J6ejV3QjE4bVdsTmNicmhGZkZQN1NEOERHM1VhOHU4R2VZMk8wRGkrQ3l2bGNabmY0Q1R5RWVIZ3pkdngifQ%3D%3D …

@NevilleSouthall @JonAshworth Had the pleasure of listening to him today at #breastfeeding2018 really grasps the importance of focusing on giving children the very best start we can.

Couldn't agree more with this. My own #breastfeeding experience was completely confusing while in hospital. It's a wonder we managed to do it at all with so much conflicting advise. Thank goodness for the #TowerHamlets breast feeding support teams. #breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/makesmilk/status/986898112718532608 …

Breastfeeding has also been associated with increased intelligence of the child and many health benefits for the mother x #breastfeeding2018

accepted this, because it suits. I found breastfeeding incredibly relaxing and a wonderfully nurturing special experience and feel it is right to extend further than we do, but until it's accepted universally this will not be viable for the many x #breastfeeding2018

@iHealthVisiting I have been following #breastfeeding2018 - some great messages to get out there, whether breastfeeding or not!  https://twitter.com/iHealthVisiting/status/986887264587444225 …

breasts as a sexual organ with breasts as a feeding organ. Secondly, many women work and in a society that, largely, believes breastfeeding should end at 6 months, there is pressure and raised eyebrows if you go against the grain. Mainly, society have 3/ #breastfeeding2018

On the continent and further afield, they view it very differently and encourage much longer breastfeeding than the UK. The two main stumbling blocks in the UK are, people being uncomfortable as they can't disassociate their preconception of 2/ #breastfeeding2018

When my son was born at The Royal Free London I asked for advice and they totally dismissed it nurse said there is a book in the library - I will never forget that comment - I went on to feed him for 18 months #breastfeeding2018

I breastfed all three of my children for considerably longer than is the norm in this country. Breastfeeding has been associated with better health of the child, both immediate and future health. The main obstacle, as always, is that society calls the shots 1/ #breastfeeding2018

#breastfeeding2018 Great tips from my midwife...Baby puts in tomorrows order today, so what you produce today will automatically be there tomorrow, so pump to prep for growth spurts.

#breastfeeding2018 Great tips from my midwife...don't presume baby needs a dummy/paci, yes they really can be that hungry.

Just popping in to say not all parents who breastfeed are mums or women and ignoring that fact has a massive negative effect on those parents Love your breastfeeding nonbinary parent #breastfeeding2018

Proud to be a breastfeeding full-time working Mother. A recent week in hospital could have ended that for me but SDH maternity ward kindly sent me a pump and so our journey continues 💕 #breastfeeding2018 #12monthgoal

Thanks @makesmilk and the other delegates for the tweets from #breastfeeding2018. Just reading been reading through them...there's lots to think about and such good ideas and projects happening. Our youngest is still breastfeeding and it's such a special part of our family life.  https://twitter.com/makesmilk/status/986847986201317377 …

1 thing I didn’t know about breastfeeding with my 1st & 2nd babies was was to direct the nipple to the roof of the mouth! I done so much better with baby 3 after watching a demo cd. Get support, but never feel guilty if you move to bottles 💞👶#Exhausting! #breastfeeding2018

Hearing from Medway commissioner that having trained peer supporters on postnatal wards was the single biggest factor in improving #breastfeeding rates #breastfeeding2018

@shereen_fisher CEO @BfN_UK shares @NBHelpline answers 40,000 calls per year and 20% of enquiries to drugs in breastmilk service are about taking antidepressants while BF @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

Final panel speaker today is Specialist Health Visitor @AlisonSpiro #breastfeeding2018

@makesmilk The postcode lottery in breastfeeding support is the worst of all the health postcode lotteries in the country #breastfeeding2018

@makesmilk “postcode lottery” of specialist BF support highlights biggest inequality in healthcare in UK today @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

There is a real postcode lottery for breastfeeding support for families in the UK - in some areas you might get antenatal support, on ward support, text messages, in home visits, community support etc etc... in other areas you get nothing at all - @makesmilk #Breastfeeding2018

Lovely clinic model described by @makesmilk - working in collaboration with HV & HV assistant in same space. #HV’s need to know their 3rd sector partners names/work with them (even party with them!) to ensure truely joined up service #breastfeeding2018

@loftyjen @makesmilk same for visiting midwives, who lack training & are pretty open about not bothering about breastfeeding their own as 'it seems too hard to do'!! #breastfeeding2018

@makesmilk @AssocBfMothers chair reiterates worrying statistic that 90% of women say they stopped breastfeeding before they wanted to - highlighting huge need for quality, accessible, collaborative BF support @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

A mum could have lots of support from lots of health visitors but if they are not well trained in breastfeeding it could actually do more harm than good - it’s not just about numbers. Peer supporters & HVs need to collaborate, work together, party together etc! #breastfeeding2018

“You could have a HV visit you every day for 6mths, but if they don’t have correct training it won’t help BF” @makesmilk makes vital point that continuity of care does not help without correct training #Breastfeeding2018

90% of women say they stopped breastfeeding before they wanted to - this should be a national scandal, front page news - but for some reason it’s not - @makesmilk #breastfeeding2018

Now at #breastfeeding2018 Emma PICKETT @makesmilk, chair of @AssocBfMothers (who are celebrating their 40th birthday next year!) 🎉

.@shereen_fisher talking about @BfN_UK’s peer support work across the UK and the drugs in Breastmilk service #breastfeeding2018

Expert panel discussion now at #Breastfeeding2018 including @BfN_UK’s @shereen_fisher and @AssocBfMothers @makesmilk 👍

Last session at #breastfeeding2018 starts with @holliepoetry’s poem ‘Embarrassed’ 💛

Just a quick correction to the recent slide: the National Breastfeeding Helpline is a partnership between the @AssocBfMothers and the @BfN_UK. Our counsellors and supporters come together to take calls. #breastfeeding2018

Scott Elliot Head of Health & Wellbeing Services @medway_council shares very moving #besideyou normalising BF campaign video 🧡  http://besideyou.abettermedway.co.uk  Cue mass applause! 👏🏼 @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

Scott Elliott from Medway council: Don’t just think breastfeeding rates, think people. It’s not 1%, it’s 35 more mums. Can health visitors in one area each help 2 more mums? #breastfeeding2018

Retweeted NationalBFHelpline (@NBHelpline): Scott Elliott from Medway Council @BesideYouMedway at #breastfeeding2018 showing a lovely film they made about breastfeeding in public - sounds like a great campaign

Scott Elliott from Medway Council @BesideYouMedway at #breastfeeding2018 showing a lovely film they made about breastfeeding in public - sounds like a great campaign

Our Chief Exec @shereen_fisher is speaking on a panel at #breastfeeding2018 today. It's a conference on breastfeeding as a public health priority. Fliss is tweeting for us all day on @NBHelpline if you want to see what they're discussing.

See just how vital Breastfeeding can be even in tackling the problem of depression in new mothers: "mothers who planned to breastfeed and "-" went on to breastfeed were around 50% less likely to become depressed" #breastfeeding2018  https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-ad-perinatal-mental-health/ …

Brilliant talk from @FeedSleepBond Lyndsey Hookway. Highlighting what is really needed: Peer support, health professionals, specialist pathways. #breastfeeding2018

Lyndsey Hookway talking at #Breastfeeding2018 about how many mums end up feeling confused & frustrated about the multiple opinions and ‘advice’ given to them from different sources about breastfeeding issues. Evidence based, good quality sources of info needed

BF peer support outcomes = positive social networks, improves mental health, support for vulnerable women, reduces caseload for HCPs and helps mums identify other health & wellbeing needs @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

Lyndsey Hookway IBCLC explains the importance of parents having access to infant feeding specialists. @wbtiuk and @babyfriendly both recommend a specialist referral service for more complex problems. Infant feeding team may not always have specialist training. #breastfeeding2018

Legacy of peer support - changing expectations of parents, health professional attitudes, changing community support for breastfeeding, advocacy for breastfeeding . #breastfeeding2018

Dr Gillian Thomson from @UClLan MAINN team explains 3 tier remit of BF peer support 1. changing individual behaviours 2. building BF communities 3. instilling positive BF culture @R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

Come and say hello upstairs at #breastfeeding2018 and take a look at our leaflets and magazines.  https://twitter.com/assocbfmothers/status/986889136484200448 …

Who do formula feeding mums go to for support? Who talks to them about responsive feeding and gives them emotional support? @Prof_AmyBrown #breastfeeding2018

A mother says, “I hate the language of choice. It’s very often not a choice.” #breastfeeding2018

@Prof_AmyBrown breastfeeding grief lasts for decades. The answer: love, care and support for mothers to help them reach their breastfeeding goals #Breastfeeding2018

Clinical signs of trauma/ PTSD are clear in women who had problems feeding and weren't supported #breastfeeding2018 @Prof_AmyBrown

#breastfeeding2018 love the concept of mothering the mother to initiate and sustain breastfeeding to improve a mums mental health

Lots of evidence based info about this here from @BfN_UK’s Drugs in breastmilk info service:  https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-ad-perinatal-mental-health/ … #breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/makesmilk/status/986934772449542144 …

Sue Ashmore #Breastfeeding2018 new Baby Friendly standards in development for medical, pharmacy and dietician students #hospitalbreastfeeding

@Prof_AmyBrown: Women are still being given false information that they can’t breastfeed and take antidepressants. #breastfeeding2018

@Prof_AmyBrown: women aren’t just feeling ‘sad’ about not being able to breastfeed. Feeling loss, trauma, grief. These are women who could have breastfed with the right support. Mental health implications are huge. #Breastfeeding2018

Next at #breastfeeding2018 is @Prof_AmyBrown - she starts by saying that we know a woman’s experience of breastfeeding really matters - even talking to women whose babies are now in their 50/60s can remember what happened and how they felt about it

Thank you @HelenGrayIBCLC and Sue Ashmore from @babyfriendly for mentioning more training in infant feeding needed for dietitians. Looking forward to working with unicef next month to create learning outcomes for student RDs! #breastfeeding2018

@babyfriendly going to develop accreditation for individuals (not meant to replace IBCLC qualification) - something that can travel with people. #breastfeeding2018

Sue Ashmore says women need social support - someone who believes they can do this. That can’t happen within normal health visiting services. Specialist services also needed. @babyfriendly are developing standards for medical schools. First draft done. #breastfeeding2018

@wbtiuk “Tend & befriend is female response to stress. Peer support and mothers’ groups are essential. Digital support is an add-on, not a replacement” #breastfeeding2018 @R_S_P_H @Brthcompanions

Shocking breastfeeding stats from @wbtiuk BF in crisis! Only 1% of mums excl. BF at 6months and UK has lowest BF rate in the world at 12months #breastfeeding2018 @R_S_P_H @Brthcompanions

Scotland had an entrenched bottlefeeding culture but have shown you can make a difference with a mass education programme of health professionals. Latest Scottish survey shows improved rates at 6 months. 89% of women received help for problems. #breastfeeding2018

@babyfriendly training won’t make health visitors specialists in breastfeeding but it will create a workforce who can use evidence-based information to support women. #breastfeeding2018

Sue Ashmore from @babyfriendly talks about the value of health visiting training meeting Baby friendly standards. The courses may only be a year long but what is more important? #breastfeeding2018

Now at #breastfeeding2018 it’s @babyfriendly Programme Director Sue Ashmore talking about education & training of health visitors through the Baby Friendly Initiative

'Baby Friendly Initiative was the first international public health programme' Sue Ashmore #breastfeeding2018 @babyfriendly @iHealthVisiting

Helen Gray from @wbtiuk highlights the need to consider infant feeding in emergency planning. We are not immune to emergencies in the UK. In her own area, families went without water for days just a few weeks ago. #breastfeeding2018

 https://betterbreastfeeding.uk/resources/  as signposted by @HelenGrayIBCLC #breastfeeding2018

Community support for Breastfeeding is essential @HelenGrayIBCLC online resources useful for information, but can’t replace meeting up w other mothers - knowing their not alone #breastfeeding2018

Thank you for a wonderful talk @JonAshworth at #breastfeeding2018 . Please consider putting the WHO Code on Labour's manifesto. More info -  https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/guidance-for-health-professionals/the-code/amp/ …

@wbtiuk breastfeeding is the ultimate sustainable and secure food source #breastfeeding2018

Jonathan Ashworth MP now addressing #Breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting emphasising the importance of investing in childhood for lifelong benefits and reducing inequalities @JonAshworth

Fabulous to see increase in mothers donating milk for hospitals via @heartsmilkbank This milk is particularly used where mums can’t breast feed due to medical conditions #Breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H

Breastfeeding saves lives in high income countries @russellviner #Breastfeeding2018 reduction infection has good evidence low income countries @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H

Next up at #breastfeeding2018 Dr Russell Viner, new President of the @RcPch. Need new focus on data. Human species would not have survived without breastfeeding!

Brilliant start to #breastfeeding2018 with Dr Louise Santhanam describing her 3 breastfeeding journeys.

#breastfeeding2018 Dr Natalie Shenker now describes modern milk banking and how prem babies can benefit hughly from it but also how donating milk increases breastfeeding rates @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H

Excellent question for @JonAshworth at @R_S_P_H conference “will Labour incorporate full WHO Code into UK law?” Slightly thrown but replies “I’ll look into it” #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

Ayala Ochert from @BetterBfing highlights the role of peer supporters. @JonAshworth agrees it’s a “false economy” to cut peer supporters as the tax payers end up picking up the pieces. #breastfeeding2018

Now invitation extended to @JonAshworth to visit a milk bank by @heartsmilkbank (?called doing an @Thercal - he mentioned going out w #HV’s in Leicester 👍🏻) #breastfeeding2018

@JonAshworth Shadow Health Secretary outlines & acknowledges huge health inequalities in UK, Labour’s plans to invest in child health services, more HVs and BF support for every mother #breastfeeding2018 @B_S_P_H @Brthcompanions

@JonAshworth speaking at #breastfeeding2018 ‘children are 20% of our population & 100% of our future’ ♥️

Dr Natalie Shenker invites @JonAshworth to visit the @heartsmilkbank #breastfeeding2018

Gentle start to Q’s for @JonAshworth : will Labour adopt whole of the WHO code into law.... he’ll look into it #Breastfeeding2018

.@JonAshworth #healthvisitors are key practitioners in supporting mothers to #breastfeed at #breastfeeding2018

At #Breastfeeding2018 @JonAshworth calls to mandate/bring back the 3-4m contact & the additional funding needed to fulfil this.

@JonAshworth Future of health visitors at a crucial stage. 1/3 of HVs say their ability to support breastfeeding has reduced. Labour will reintroduce training bursary & introduce new mandated health visit at 3-4 months. It means more recruitment and resources. #breastfeeding2018

@JonAshworth acknowledging and recognising the valuable public health contribution of health visitors in supporting breastfeeding #breastfeeding2018

@R_S_P_H @healthvisiting come and see us on our stand. Great prices on all books for Conference delegates! #breastfeeding2018

@JonAshworth also pledges to encourage @babyfriendly accreditation across the UK. Highlights huge cuts to 0-5 services and pledges to reverse them, commits to resourcing the health visiting service. #breastfeeding2018

'Local authorities have had £52 million worth of cuts for public health for <5s, not sustainable or fair' @JonAshworth #Breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @BDA_Paediatrics

Next Labour govt would support all units to achieve and maintain @babyfriendly accreditation says @JonAshworth #breastfeeding2018

RT @NBHelpline: #breastfeeding2018 @JonAshworth says it’s the worst of all worlds if we as a country tell mums that ‘breastfeeding is best’ but then don’t provide the support to back this up and help mums reach their breastfeeding goals

Thank you @UKLabour and @JonAshworth for pledging to reinstate the infant feeding survey at #Breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting

Stop emphasis on telling mothers to breastfeed and instead ensure support/help available - reverse ongoing cuts & respect maternal informed choices @JonAshworth #breastfeeding2018

@JonAshworth, shadow health minister, pledges to reintroduce the infant feeding survey if Labour reaches government. #breastfeeding2018

#breastfeeding2018 @JonAshworth says it’s the worst of all worlds if we as a country tell mums that ‘breastfeeding is best’ but then don’t provide the support to back this up and help mums reach their breastfeeding goals

@JonAshworth highlights the problem when mums feel pressure to breastfeed but then find the support is lacking (and may even have been cut). #Breastfeeding2018

Ambition to make UK’s children the healthiest of the world and supporting mothers to breastfeed is key in this @JonAshworth #breastfeeding2018

At #breastfeeding2018 @JonAshworth “Our ambition should be to make Britain’s children the healthiest in the world...Supporting mothers to breastfeed can reduce health inequalities.”

Inequality caused 250,000 paediatric hospital admissions in the UK 2015-16 @JonAshworth @iHealthVisiting #breastfeeding2018

“Poverty should carry a public health warning” @JonAshworth highlights the vast inequalities in UK around accessing healthcare, dental decay and obesity. Improving health vital for future of #NHS #breastfeeding2018

As a country we spend more on obesity than police or fire service @JonAshworth public health matters but we aren't doing enough #breastfeeding2018 #obesity @iHealthVisiting

@JonAshworth emphasising the importance of ensuring every child gets the best start #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @wbtiuk @R_S_P_H

29% of girls overweight - only second to USA; @JonAshworth makes his case for increased #publichealth funding #breastfeeding2018

@JonAshworth “We are lagging behind most other high-income countries on obesity and breastfeeding...We are facing an obesity crisis.” #breastfeeding2018

Looking forward to hearing from MP & Shadow Secretary of State for Health @JonAshworth #Breastfeeding2018

@iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H @wbtiuk I'm following with great interest-I so wish I could be there today!#Breastfeeding2018

#Breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/loftyjen/status/986908152296804353 …

If you're at the @iHealthVisiting Breastfeeding Conference today, take a look at our full position statement and short summary here:  https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news/rcpch-publishes-new-guidance-breastfeeding-highlighting-health-benefits-and-importance-tackling … #breastfeeding2018

#breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/loftyjen/status/986906201140187137 …

#breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/loftyjen/status/986902940224053248 …

#breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/loftyjen/status/986895991742885888 …

#breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/loftyjen/status/986895447058014208 …

@DrNShenker explains development & reach of @heartsmilkbank and outlines clear health benefits of donor breast milk to pre & full term babies, huge financial benefits to NHS and v.significant improvements to maternal breastfeeding outcomes #breastfeeding2018 @Brthcompanions

@RCPCHPresident 'We would certainly be interested in more research exploring human donor milk and the role of milk banks ' #breastfeeding2018 @heartsmilkbank @DrNShenker @makesmilk @wbtiuk @iHealthVisiting

The @heartsmilkbank is working with @MummysStar to provide donor milk for women receiving treatment for cancer in the postnatal period #Breastfeeding2018

Donor breast milk needs to be treated but it still contains far more components than formula #breastfeeding2018 @R_S_P_H @wbtiuk @iHealthVisiting

#breastfeeding2018 @RCPCHPresident speaking - ‘Our children are blighted by inequality and breastfeeding reduces inequality’

Next up at #breastfeeding2018 is Dr Natalie Shenker from @heartsmilkbank on how milk banking can help impact public health in a significant way

Now Dr Natalie Shenker from @heartsmilkbank highlights physiological effect on maternal health: breast cancer & ovarian cancer among other conditions. Infant health impact well-known. Yet equitable access to breastmilk in the UK has a long way to go. #breastfeeding2018

@R_S_P_H #breastfeeding2018 off to interesting start with Dr Santhanam talking about @GP_IFN an online forum to connect GPs to enhance BF support by sharing info, research, resources & encourage multidisciplinary collaboration @Brthcompanions

@RCPCHPresident Russell Viner: The government is focusing on mental health & obesity prevention. There is good evidence that breastfeeding addresses both these issues. #breastfeeding2018

Evidence that breastfeeding is protective for obesity is 'overwhelming' @RCPCHPresident #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @BDA_Paediatrics

@RCPCHPresident Russell Viner would like to see more focus on breastfeeding in discussions around obesity prevention. #breastfeeding2018

@RCPCHPresident Russell Viner talks about reduction in ADULT conditions - Crohns and UC, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, IQ. #breastfeeding2018

@RCPCHPresident Russell Viner -can’t randomise in breastfeeding research but we can rely on systematic reviews. Good evidence breastfeeding saves lives in high income countries. 30-40% reduction in SIDS. 58% reduction in NEC. ⬇️ in leukaemia & infection. #breastfeeding2018

Now at #breastfeeding2018 is @RCPCHPresident Prof Russell Viner talking about why breastfeeding is important for everyone’s health

Now Russell Viner @RCPCHPresident from @RCPCHtweets. ‘With breastfeeding, we have the evidence’. We will have a more productive population in 20 years time, post-Brexit, if we get child health right now - a message for politicians. #breastfeeding2018

Fantastic support & information network for GPs and HCPs - groups meeting across the UK and online - see  http://www.gpifn.org.uk  - @GP_IFN for more info #breastfeeding2018

'Not enough to rely on personal experience to inform care' absolutely @gp_aulait #breastfeeding2018

“Why isn’t more taught about such an important topic?” Women asked about support- report conflicting advice, formula given w/out breastfeeding support, breastfeeding not valued. Commissioners need to understand the impact of positive support. #breastfeeding2018

@GP_IFN @gp_aulait Sharing a powerful Mother and GP perspective on why peer support is critical - common for Mums to not be listened to and for them to hear conflicting msgs about value of breastfeeding #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @BfN_UK

'I am astounded by how much I did not know' GP trainee quote regarding infant feeding. Education needed. So glad @babyfriendly are taking steps to create learning outcomes for med students #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H

Breastfeeding support in the community: are our families falling through the gaps?  https://ukbreastfeeding.org/media/  Follow #Breastfeeding2018

When Dr Santhanam had her own children she realised how little knowledge about breastfeeding her medical education had given her. Huge gaps in medical training. @GP_IFN aims to help address this and support HCPs. #breastfeeding2018

First up at #breastfeeding2018 is the brilliant @GP_IFN founder Dr Louise Santhanam - says despite medical training she had little idea about the importance, challenges and joys of infant feeding until she became a breastfeeding mother herself

@CheryllMa opens @iHealthVisiting conference with important message of getting good support in place for women to breastfeed - support that is non-pushy and empowers her to achieve her goals #breastfeeding2018

Sharing our @wbtiuk findings and recommendations for improving #breastfeeding support in the community at brilliant conference today "Breastfeeding: a Public Health Priority" with @IHV and @R_S_P_H Follow #Breastfeeding2018

Health visitor survey reported cuts to breastfeeding peer support services yet parents also said that they lacked support to make it work - cuts are senseless and contra evidence #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting @R_S_P_H

Cheryll Adams from @iHealthVisiting ‘Health visitors may have caseloads of 500-1000 families. How can they support the breastfeeding mother? Especially if peer support is cut and other colleagues lost. HVs report cuts to peer support & specialist roles.’ #breastfeeding2018

Pleased to be at the #breastfeeding2018 @iHealthVisiting conference @R_S_P_H today. Looking forward to all the speakers including @shereen_fisher later on!

I have just met a celebrity 🤣 - been chatting to @Prof_AmyBrown #breastfeeding2018 @R_S_P_H

Looking forward to speaking supporting #Breastfeeding2018 at the Institute of Health Visitors conference today @healthvisiting @JonAshworth

#Breastfeeding support in the community: families are falling through the gaps  http://bit.ly/2Hynfza  #healthvisiting #healthvisitors #breastfeeding2018

#breastfeeding2018  https://twitter.com/shazyates9/status/986869138856599552 …

@1stepsnutrition @gp_aulait @R_S_P_H @wbtiuk Follow on #breastfeeding2018