Why breast is best

Another factor to take into consideration is that, even if you decide not to breastfeed, your milk will still build up about four days after your baby is born. This means that you will then have to go through the pain of engorged breasts until your supply dries up. This can take several days. If you don't like breastfeeding you can stop at any stage, but at least you’ll know that you gave it up for a good reason.

NB. Although breast is best, most babies do perfectly well on formula milk. You should therefore not feel a failure if you can't manage to breastfeed or if you simply decide that you would rather bottle feed. The most important factor when it comes to feeding your baby is that he or she gets plenty of food, regardless of whether it's breast milk or formula milk.

For more information see Clare Byam-Cook’s book:‘What to expect when you’re breastfeeding….and what if you can’t’ published by Vermilion £7.99.