Breast Health and Pregnancy

Find out more on how breasts change in Pregnancy as well as  the different kinds of breast lumps which can be found.

Breastfeeding is a skill that needs practice and it is important that first time mothers, or women who find breastfeeding difficult to establish, are given the right support to persevere. Midwives are in a perfect position to not only avidly encourage mothers to breastfeed for the sake of their babies' health, but also for the sake of the mothers own health too. When making infant feeding decisions, women need to be well-informed and midwives are responsible for providing this education and advice.

In this Breastfeeding Supplement, British Journal of Midwifery looks at key areas of this topic. These are just a few of the issues addressed in this supplement published by BJM:

• What breast changes should pregnant and lactating women expect to experience? How can midwives educate and support women on these changes and increase awareness of breast health?
• What factors influence modern parents' infant feeding decisions? How do male and female attitudes differ?
• What are the needs of adoptive mothers? How can midwives support them in their wish to breastfeed?
• How can midwives support breastfeeding women experiencing depression after childbirth?
• How can midwives promote safe infant feeding practices during natural disasters and those of human origin when there are unsanitary conditions?

Do not miss out on this exclusive Breastfeeding Supplement brought to you by British Journal of Midwifery, the leading clinical journal for midwives. Published each month, the journal is written by midwives for midwives and peer reviewed by some of the foremost authorities in the profession. It contains the best clinical reviews, original research and evidence-based articles, ensuring that midwives are kept fully up-to-date with the latest developments taking place in clinical practice.