Have you thought about how you would like to feed your baby?
Deciding how to feed your baby is a very personal decision.
We support all mothers to choose how they want to feed their baby. Our team also recognise the importance of breastfeeding. We will support mothers to breastfeed for as long as they would like.
When pregnant, it’s important to get all the information you need to help make your decisions about how to feed your baby. You don’t have to decide how you are going to feed your baby until after your baby is born.
Your midwife or health visitor can give you lots of information and answer any questions you may have.
Building a relationship with your baby
During pregnancy there are lots of things you can do to start and get to know your baby, Further information is available here.
As soon as your baby is born
- Holding your baby against your skin straight after birth is a lovely way to get to know your baby and get feeding off to a good start. Find out more about skin to skin here.
- Your baby will often have a good early feed if it is left undisturbed in skin-contact after birth.
- Your baby will be happier if it is kept near to you and is fed whenever it is hungry.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding until around six months with continued breastfeeding for as long as mother and baby wish to continue.
Any Breastfeeding provides lots of benefits and protection and we will support mothers to breastfeed for as long as they would like.
The staff will support you with getting feeding off to a good start; keeping baby in skin contact and offering frequent feeds is a great way to help.
It is important that you know how to check that your baby is getting enough milk and where to get further information if you need it.
It is not normal to get damaged nipples or painful breasts when you are breastfeeding.
If you develop any problems it is important that you seek support. Ask for help; there are no silly questions!
Once you are transferred home after delivery ask your community midwife or health visitor about what support is available in your area.
I found Breastfeeding a bit hard at first but the midwives helped me keep going and I am really pleased I did. I am tired but I love that I can feed him myself and he seems to love it.
Undecided on how to feed your baby?
You don’t need to decide how to feed your baby until after it is born. We support all mothers to choose how they want to feed their baby.
Some mothers choose to give their baby a few breast feeds after they are born. This is a lovely way for Mum and Baby to get to know each other and relax after the birth.
Any breast milk given to your baby will benefit them. Colostrum is the early milk filled with antibodies that helps build baby’s immune system and protect from infection.
I didn’t realise I could still give a breastfeed when she was born even though I was bottle feeding, when the midwife suggested it I thought I would try and it was lovely-I would definitely say to try it!
Formula Feeding
It is important that you discuss with your Midwife how to sterilise and make up bottles before you leave the hospital.
Responsive bottle feeding will help you build a loving relationship with your baby. Further information is available here.
Babies that are formula fed only need first stage formula milk until their first birthday. Further information on the types of milks that are available can be found here.
The midwife showed me how to give him his bottle when he was in skin contact and we both loved it; it was an extra special cuddle
Introducing Solids
When it’s time to introduce your baby to solid food, you can get more information from your health visitor or local children’s centre. Further information is available on the UNICEF Baby Friendly website .
