Breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome

‘Before my daughter was even born, I'd had two midwives and a consultant all pretty much tell me she'd not be able to breastfeed because of having Down syndrome’, advises Sarah mum to Lucy, who is still breastfeeding at 19 months.

At Positive about Down syndrome (PADS), we are passionate about ensuring parents have access to contemporary, relevant and accurate information, as well as positive and meaningful support from both peers and professionals. This research has been conducted to establish how well-informed and supported expectant and new parents are today around breastfeeding their baby with Down syndrome.

The health benefits of breastfeeding are well known; however, at PADS, we are of the view that the impact on a mother's mental health and wellbeing should also be taken into account by medical professionals when considering feeding recommendations.

We believe, that in general, there is no reason why most babies with Down syndrome cannot be breastfed, if this is mother's preference.