Slide show to celebrate World Down's Syndrome Day 21st March 2012
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Shifting Perspectives
a photographic exhibition about
breastfeeding babies who have Down's syndrome
by Maria de Fatima Campos, ARPS, ABPPA, photographer

Maria de Fatima Campos shows photos of babies who have Down's syndrome being sucessfully breastfed.
The original photographs were shown as part of the exhibition Shifting Perspectives at the famous OXO Tower gallery in London in 2010 and at the University of Hertforshire - UK.

The conference was a great success and hopefully the delegates will spread the word about the benefits of breastfeeding and be bale to offer support to mother's of children who have Down's syndrome.

Dr Roja Sooben at the University's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work had organised the conference  called,  Breastfeeding infants with developmental disabilities - let's talk about it!, which took place at the University on 11th  May. In addition, the Down’s Syndrome Association staged a photographic exhibition called Shifting Perspectives to coincide with the conference.

According to Dr Sooben, who carried out research into the experience of new mothers with babies with Down syndrome, there was an assumption from health professionals that these babies would not have the ability to breastfeed.

"We know that breastfeeding not only helps mothers and babies to bond but also provides considerable health benefits to the newborn," said Dr Sooben. "Babies with Down syndrome often present with many actual and potential health complications and so we need to give these mothers the right advice and support so that they are empowered to seek out and secure the best healthy start in life for their babies. Such mothers are often being marginalised because of poor understanding of the health needs of their babies and so it is particularly important to emphasise the benefits of breast milk for these groups.”

The one day conference focused on examples of good practice from the perspectives of parents and health care professionals; the ultimate aim is to engage in the necessary debates towards more inclusive practice.

Maria is still looking for mothers who wouldlike to particiapte in this project so
if you are a mother of a baby with Down's syndrome and are breastfeeding please contact Maria at
info@downs-syndrome-london.org.uk

You can also read Maria's personal story of the first few years of the of life of her own daughter at
www.campos-davis.com/infoweek