Editoria‘Breastfeeding: The essential guide’ by Sharon Trotter for www.birthonwards.co.uk website:   Biography: Mother & Baby Consultant RM, BSc in Advanced studies in Midwifery Author of Breastfeeding: the essential guide (ISBN 0954838106) Founder and Director of TIPS Ltd (www.tipslimited.com)

Sharon trained as a general nurse at the Dorset School of Nursing in 1979. She moved to London in 1983 to complete her midwifery training at Queen Charlottes Maternity Hospital and following her marriage to Aidan in 1984, moved to Scotland. Sharon and her family now live on the west coast, where she has worked at the local maternity unit for over 20 years, in between bringing up four children (Calum, Aidan and Sharon’s first son, died age three weeks). Sharon recently returned to Paisley University to complete her BSc in Advanced Studies and graduated in November 2005 (see picture).
Sharon’s two specialist subjects are breastfeeding and neonatal skin/cord care. Her work has been published in several professional journals. Guidelines based on Sharon’s work form the new policy on skincare and cord care which has now been implemented within her local NHS organization and recently this advice has been backed up by the NICE guidelines in England (www.nice.org ). Sharon has also written an informative leaflet entitled ‘Babycare – back to basics™’ for parents and professionals. These guidelines give parents the best advice for safe baby skincare by primarily advocating the use of a ‘water-only’ regime for baby skincare during the first month of life. It is hoped that this will soon become standard practice in all maternity units and lead to a fall in the development of skin conditions during the early years of life and beyond.
For more information about Sharon’s work go to www.tipslimited.com

Journey to publication:
I have been involved with the education and support of breastfeeding mothers for well over 20 years. As a midwife, this has been just one part of a very rewarding career. As a mother, having breastfed my own children for a combined total of seven years, it has become a lot more.
I am not saying that you have to experience breastfeeding in order to teach other mums, but it definitely helps. Most of the trials and tribulations so many women encounter on their road to successful breastfeeding have also happened to me. This is why I understand the highs and lows so well and can hopefully guide mums through. I also understand that ‘real life’ does not include a nanny or constant support from friends and relatives. Real life means juggling work, home, other children and family life. It is exhausting!
So how can breastfeeding really fit into a busy mum’s life when it appears to take up so much time? This is what I want to de-mystify. Once established, breastfeeding is the best stress-buster around! The natural ‘high’ that occurs with every feed is available on tap whenever mum and baby need it. More importantly it is free and should be enjoyed by all. So many mums have told me that they regret not having persevered with breastfeeding and that they wished my tips had been around when they needed them. This is why I am determined to spread the word about the pleasurable side of breastfeeding which is so often overlooked. Not only is it best for your baby, but it is best for mum too!
In 2002 I wrote down my experiences, as a way of introducing breastfeeding to women. My book is easy-to-read and combines all the ’tricks of the trade’. It is evidence-based and would be an ideal introduction for student midwives, midwives, health visitors and anyone involved in the support of breastfeeding mums. Following extensive market research over a two year period, my book evolved and is now available to buy. I hope that my enthusiasm for breastfeeding shines through every page, encouraging mums to give breastfeeding a try.
Breastfeeding: the essential guide went on sale on www.amazon.co.uk in November 2004 and soon became a top-10 bestselling title from over 450 other titles on breastfeeding! It received an excellent review from the internationally respected Journal of Human Lactation in August 2005 and in September 2005 the book was added to the PHP Baby Catalogue (www.the babycatalogue.co.uk) with the following introduction:
“Written by a mother and a midwife the easiest and most comprehensive book we have found on breastfeeding. Simple, encouraging and very informative Sharon Trotter has a comforting approach of a big sister combined with a health professional”
It is now featured on many websites in the UK and has been introduced to the American market on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com where it is hoped it will become as popular as in the UK.
Most women know that breastfeeding is good for their baby. However, do they know that, with each feed, they will receive a guaranteed rush of endorphins which will make them feel relaxed and de-stressed? This is surely one of breastfeeding’s best-kept secrets.
Women who do not breastfeed are missing out on one of the most enjoyable experiences available to them and it’s free!
Breastfeeding is not easy. It needs to be supported, valued, encouraged and more importantly explained in simple terms. Attitudes need to change.
In short, parents need to know the truth behind the hype.

What can breastfeeding do for baby?
Supply free fast food ready any time, any place, anywhere.
Provide the only food that is made-to-measure for each baby.
Provide for a better-developed immune system.
Protect against infections.
Protect against allergies.
Lead to a higher IQ.
Provide love, comfort, support, security and self-confidence for your baby.
So apart from the rush of endorphins, what else can breastfeeding do for mums?
Help them get their figure back.
Reduce the risk of post-natal-depression.
Reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and osteoporosis.
Provide added contraceptive protection, leading to longer gaps between pregnancies.
And apart from getting to avoid night feeds, what can breastfeeding do for dads?
Reassure them that their baby is getting the best start in life.
Provide them with a partner whose mood is likely to be more relaxed.
Avoid the expense of equipment and formula milk.
However, dads must remember their partner needs support. Without it the chances of successful breastfeeding are dramatically reduced.
Sharon’s advice is set-out logically. Her book is jargon-free, non-judgmental, easy to read and neither condescending nor zealous. Her enthusiasm is infectious and should be shared.
Contact details: Website: www.tipslimited.com
Email: Sharon@tipslimited.com