I am asked so many questions about babies and children, so I think that it's about time I turned my attention to the little people in our lives. Now we don't have children yet ? although if my mother in law had her way, we'd have produced a couple of bundles of joy by now ? we're practising our parenting skills with a puppy first!

So what makes me qualified to talk about children? Well I may not have them, but I am surrounded by them ? our neighbours have a beautiful toddler and our friends are reproducing like mad! Over 90 percent of my fellow students were mums and my own mum used to be a breast-feeding councilor for the National Childbirth Trust in England.

As a result I've spent a lot of time watching birthing videos and talking about cracked nipples!

When I first heard about cracked nipples, I was shocked. Seriously, a woman goes through hours of labour, and then you can wind up with cracked nipples? You have got to be kidding?

But "help! I can't feed my baby!" is actually one of the most common things a nurse or counsellor hears. For some mothers, being too sore to breast-feed is disappointing and distressing ? for others, who find it awkward, uncomfortable or inconvenient, it comes with a sigh of relief. Whatever the reason, it does bring us to the critical question ? when it comes to a child's good health, is breast always best?

This won't surprise you of course, but for most people, in my opinion, the answer to this is a resounding yes! However there are times when breast-feeding may not be the most appropriate option for you or your baby and the most important issue here is never to feel guilty.

There can be a huge amount of pressure on a mother to breast feed from family and friends, and some feel that they have "failed" if they are unable to do so.

Even the government encourages mothers to breast feed for six months ? however, this then begs the question ? why is maternity leave so pathetically short?

But before I digress down that infuriating avenue, let's get back to the matter in hand and talk about the pros and cons of breast-feeding:

It's nature's own convenience food. Perfectly balanced and perfectly packaged! No messing around with powders and bottles and you'll never be left with a hungry baby after forgetting to buy formula at the supermarket.

The "milk" that is produced during the first few days after birth (colostrum) is rich in the protein, vitamins, minerals and antibodies which help to protect your baby from infection and build up the immune system. Formula milks can't provide antibodies.

The essential fatty acid content (deficient in some formulas) helps to protect your baby from developing allergies. Some babies have allergic reactions to formula milks; these can manifest as skin rash, colic, persistent crying, diarrhoea, vomiting, eczema or dry skin, spots on the bottom, disturbed sleep and wheezing.

Breast milk encourages the growth of "friendly bacteria" which help to protect against tummy bugs.

Recent research has suggested that breast-fed babies may have a higher IQ than those given formula milks from birth.

Breast milk is hygienic and safe. Bottle-feeding however requires sterile bottles and sterile water. It is important for example not to re-boil, boiled water in a kettle for your baby's formula. Re-boiling increases the sodium content of water, which can be dangerous for your baby's health. If bottled water is used, find a brand with a sodium content of less than 10 milligrams per 100 millilitre.

? Most Mums enjoy breast-feeding once they get the hang of it and it's certainly a great way of bonding with your new baby. It can also help to reduce post-natal tummy and forces you to sit, relax and take a break!

So far so good! However, I want to present a perfectly fair picture here, so there are a few negative aspects to be aware of:

Breast-feeding can be painful, especially if you develop the dreaded cracked nipples ? and a distressed mum often results in a distressed baby.

It's important to avoid smoking and alcohol when breastfeeding. Alcohol in more than small quantities can damage the baby's development and nicotine can affect the baby's heart rate and cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If you can't resist smoking or drinking more than the odd glass of alcohol, a formula may be the best option for you.

Unless you pump, your partner or family is unable to share the job of feeding your baby. Pumping is an option for many women who are returning to work, but many find formula feeding more practical.

Breast milk normally provides all the necessary nutrients for growth and development. However a few babies (especially very large babies) require more nutrients than you are able to provide and may need to be supplemented with a formula. Signs of this include: a tired, listless baby, irritability, interest in your food, persistent hunger and frequent waking during the night. However in many cases it's possible to increase your supply (by feeding your baby more frequently for a few days) so it's usually worth trying that first. Remember to increase your own fluids too!

Now although the nutritional benefits of breast-feeding are absolutely fantastic, there are also many good formulas out there, so no baby needs to be deprived. But if you have decided to breast feed and are struggling to feed your baby, here are a few little tricks you can try:

Don't let your little one suck away endlessly! Your baby may be persistent if he is not latched on properly and not getting a good enough milk flow. When he latches on, his mouth should open wide and take in not only the nipple, but also much of the coloured area around it.

If he doesn't latch on well, try slipping your little finger gently into the corner of his mouth in order to release the suction. Then let him try again ? this does take practice so don't lose heart!

If you are too sore to do all the feeds, perhaps just do one or two breast-feeds a day. This can be enough to relieve some of the burden, whilst your baby still gets many of the benefits of breast milk.

Try refrigerating cabbage leaves and placing them inside your bra. They are cooling and help to heal the sores. Needless to say, if you are planning a romantic night, be sure to remove them first? Calendula cream is a natural and less bizarre alternative!

If you are having persistent problems, contact your GP or the Nurses Practice for breast-feeding advice ? tel: 232 0264.