Keep Britain Breastfeeding: Sharing Stories

During a conversation between me and a friend this week, her daughter interrupted us to tell say " I had milk until I was 7, I'm 8 now '. She then went back to playing. A simple statement, with no fuss, debate or mockery attached to it. If only all adults could see things as clearly. For a lot of children and adults, breastfeeding is not seen as the ' norm ' and it is certainly provokes a lot of debate amongst the media in general. With images of bottles, dummies, prams etc featured in children's books and TV you can understand why openly breastfeeding raises so many eyebrows. For me and my daughter, breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world for us, it is right for both us. That is not to say that I think all women should breastfeed or that I frown upon women who use formula ( although I don't have very nice things to say about formula companies). I would like to see breastfeeding as a normal part of everyday life for a lot of people so that seeing a picture of a women breastfeeding does not constantly open debate or raise blood pressure. I want my daughter to read books that depict images that relate to her experiences of growing up and feeding, for her to see mums on TV breastfeeding and for her to come to the same conclusion that,simply, some people have a bottle and some don't. One of the reasons that I became an ambassador for Barefoot Books is that they promote cultural and social diversity and have a range of books that focus on the natural child. Images of baby wearing, a focus on male parenting and breastfeeding are apparent in a lot of our books and I just love how so many embrace these books. Here is a selection of some of the best breastfeeding and baby wearing books that we have read

Welcome to the World

Welcome new babies to the wonderful world with this collection of photographs and poems from many cultures. This unique anthology celebrates the feelings of hope, wonder, surprise, delight and fascination at each new generation of children.

We Like to Nurse

Brilliantly illustrated, this book celebrates the wonder of breastfeeding in humans and animals. A lovely book for young children and mothers.

Just Like You Did

When a new baby comes in to the house a little boy is rather upset. He feels that he is getting no attention, the baby takes up everyone's time and he is feeling very sorry for himself. When his parents notice he's upset they reassure him that once upon a time he too was a little baby, and needed lots of attention, and one day the baby will be a boy like him. An important lesson gently told for any child facing the problem of not being the only one any more. With loving family images and breastfeeding a natural part of their family life, this book is great to snuggle down with the whole family.

Catch that Goat

Chase after a mischievous goat! Ayoka has been left in charge of the family goat — but within minutes the goat has vanished. This Nigerian market tale helps youngsters count from ten to one and uses humour to impart a simple message about responsibility. Includes end notes about life in Nigeria and Yoruba traditions, with fabulous images of African life, including baby wearing.

Mama Panya's Pancakes

Glimpse into a Kenyan village with the story of Mama Panya and Adika’s market day and learn an important lesson about community and the rewards of sharing. Includes a helpful map, facts about Kenya, Kiswahili greetings, and even an easy-to-make pancake recipe. Again, this a beautifully illustrated books, without the stereotypical  images of babies with bibs and bottles!

If you would like to read other breastfeeding stories, take a look at these great bloggers taking part in the scavenger hunt

Twinkle Mummy

In the Playroom

Diary of A First Child

 Me, The Man &The Baby

Natural Mamas

To be in with a chance of winning these lovely books  or the many other goodies that make up the KBBF grand prize, including 5 pairs of washable breast pads from I Sew Green, simply enter via the rafflecopter below

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