New mum joins breastfeeding bid

By breastfeeding her son Kirsten Morris says she is giving him the best start in life.

The Carterton first-time mum and her 5-month-old son Henry are taking part in next week's Big Latch On to try and break the record for the most women breastfeeding simultaneously as part of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7.

Mrs Morris said breastfeeding her son was convenient and allowed them a chance to bond closer together.

"It's just good bonding time - quiet time together. It's amazing. There is no fuss and you don't have to bother with heating bottles in the middle of the night. It's instantly there."

It hasn't always been easy with Henry taking three days after birth before he went on to the breast easily.

"It took him three days to latch on. I just persevered. We did a lot of skin-on-skin contact and he eventually latched on," she said.

Cuddling together also offers contentment for the baby when he is unsettled, his mother said.

"It's just such a good way to settle him down if he is a bit unsettled."

She plans to feed him until his first birthday.

"We'll see how it goes but that is the plan."

Wellington Wairarapa Plunket area manager Tina Syme said deciding to breastfeeding baby was one of the most positive steps mothers could take towards ensuring their baby got the best start in life.

"Breast milk is the perfect food for infants and provides babies with all the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.

"It's the original fast food - it's always fresh and delivered at the right temperature plus it's free and readily available."

Breastfeeding was a skill requiring learning for both mother and baby, Mrs Symes said.

If parents need support they can call Plunketline on (freephone) 0800 933 922 - a 24 hour, seven-day service - or should talk with their Plunket nurse or Plunket Centre staff, who can "offer support and information in a friendly and relaxed environment", Mrs Symes said.

As part of the New Zealand celebrations for the week, Women's Health Action runs the Big Latch On.

The event will be held in the Masterton Town Hall on August 2 at 10.30am.