Hello all this is a subject that very much interests me and I thought I would add a bit. When my daughter was born i breastfed for 6 months. It was a very brilliant experience and helped me to form a strong bond. I have to say I had no problems that any of you have have and feel for you. Although my midwife didn't man handle me my mother did and even that made me feel exposed so I can understand how bad that made you feel. I definately do not agree with the manhandling thing I feel it is intrusive. It is a job as a midwife to inform and support not judge or force. My midwife and health visitor did this for me by congratulating me on carrying on I even got a cetificate lol. Yes breast is best but as said so many times before happy healthy mother is more important as happy mother happy baby. I feel more emphasis should be put on support I definately hope to in the future run a breastfeeding support group, but first i want to become a midwife one thing at a time lol.

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Gemma Davey
student midwife 2008
UCLAN