New mother Kate McCarthy breastfed daughter Lucy for the first three days and really enjoyed the experience. "But a milk duct became blocked, a mild mastitis developed, the pain was intense and I had to discontinue. The one benefit was that my partner Will could become even more involved.
"Bottles can be inconvenient and setting up the equipment is like a scientific experiment. But we've been incredibly lucky, she has slept through the night since the start." But it hasn't all been plain sailing. Six weeks after the birth, Kate felt anxious and stressful, her GP diagnosed post- natal depression and prescribed antidepressants. "I'm normally very upbeat, so I knew something was wrong. Depression after a baby is very common but there is stigma attached to it, which is why I mention it. One day I woke up and the world was a happier place again. There is help out there."
Weighing 6lbs 9oz at birth, Lucy fed well, gaining weight steadily. "At four months I thought about weaning her as she was becoming hungrier. I didn't supplement the formula as I was advised not to. The Coombe ante-natal classes were great as was the public health nurse in the help they gave.
"You're a bit nervous at every new change you make, but as time goes on I'm becoming more confident and trusting my instincts. I started her on a creamy porridge which she liked, making all kinds of faces, but eating it!"
At six months, Lucy is on three meals a day - cereals and fruit with ready-made meat and vegetable baby meals. Because Kate's family has a history of high blood pressure, she has never added salt to food. "Since Lucy's birth I've been checking labels carefully, which means the whole family are eating more healthily," she says. - Anne Dempsey