NEW guidelines to further encourage mums that "breast is best" have been released by the health watchdog.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has issued guidance on care for mothers and babies from birth until eight weeks.

It says a personalised care plan should be put in place, instead of health workers using a "tick-box" approach.

Everyone working in maternity care should also implement an independently- evaluated programme that encourages breast-feeding.

The guidance sets out advice that health workers should ask mothers about resuming their sex lives.

Routine

It says women should be asked within two to six weeks after birth, alongside giving advice about contraception. Nice says the breast-feeding programme should use Unicef's Baby Friendly Initiative as a minimum standard.

This encourages contact and early initiation of breast-feeding, feeding on demand, routine and effective information and support for mothers.

Parents should also be given information throughout the post-natal period on how to assess their baby's general condition, look for common problems and who to contact in an emergency.

At each post-natal visit, women should be asked about their emotional well-being, the support they get from their families and friends and their usual day-to-day coping strategies.

Any changes in mood or emotional state - possibly signifying post-natal depression - should also be raised by women and their families during these visits.

Preparing, storing and warming formula milk and sterilising bottles and teats are also in the guidelines.

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