designed by nature, made by mum Essential guide · Essential guide to feeding & caring for your baby Cornwall & Isles of Scilly designed by nature, made by mum Breastfeeding protects

Essential guide to feeding & caring for your babyCornwall & Isles of Scilly

designed by nature, made by mum

Breastfeeding protects against:• Asthma• Breast cancer• Coughs and colds• Diabetes

Please keep this handy with your maternity

notes

2017/2018

NATIONAL BREASTFEEDINGHELPLINE

0300 100 0212Available 9:30am - 9:30pm everyday

Breastfeeding protects against:• Asth• Breast cancer

mareast cancerreast cancer

Coughs and coldsD

oughs and coldsiabetoughs and coldsiabeteses

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2 realbabymilk.org facebook.com/realbabymilk

3 ......... While you are pregnant 4 ......... Why is breastfeeding important?5 ......... List of things to bring to hospital 6 ......... Cornwall policy on infant feeding7 ......... Skin to skin8 ......... Oxytocin and your baby’s amazing brain9 ......... How will I know what my baby needs?10 .......Milk for your baby from birth11 ...... What can I do if my new baby is reluctant to feed? 12 ...... Breastfeeding positions 16 ....... Good attachment 17 ....... How do I know if my baby is attached properly? 18 ....... How will I know my baby is getting enough milk?19 ....... What is so special about breastmilk?20 ....... Caring for your baby at night21 ....... Sharing a bed with your baby22 ....... Hand expressing 23 ....... How can I increase my breastmilk supply? 24 ....... What if I want to give some formula milk to my breastfed baby? 25 ....... What if I’m not breastfeeding?26 ....... Physical challenges 27 ....... Myths and misconceptions 28 ....... Special circumstances 29 ....... Baby and the family 30 ....... Introducing solid foods31 ....... Returning to work or study 32 ....... The Directory 35 ....... Support & Information36 ....... Public Breastfeeding

What's in this guide...

Keep in touch with Real Baby Milk

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The content of the Essential Guide is written and reviewed by Helen Shanahan, Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Stephanie Heard, Health Visitor. Front Cover: Photographer: Gavin Tyler. Photographers: Patrick Shanahan, Katy Blake, Henry Davies, Finola Shanahan, Gavin Tyler. Parents and Babies: Cath & Samson, Edward & Dominic, Sam & Taylor, Faye & Barnaby, Penny & Florence, Louise & Josie, Peter, Lucy, Byron, Milly, Jake & Reuben, Jess & Harvey, Jay, Ben, Idris & Ella. Lidwina & Milo, Marianne, Fred & Stan, Sammy & Toby, Sam & Paige, Natasha & Isaac, Tracey & Elijah, Clare & Elijah, Jennifer & Lawrence, Hayley & James, Helen, Nick & Ernie, Sam & Nancy, Lauren, Eva & Mya, Pene & Kiri, Jodie, Ross & Jesse, Bill & Lyra, Amel, Leen & Haneen, Amelia & Bertie, Jamie, Adilena & Ordella, Simon & Letty, Jill & Ruby, Hannah Kemp, Angela & Finn, Raksha & Rhythm, Caroline & Elliott, Liz & Jennifer, Jen & Owen, Karen & Joel, Stock Photos,istockphoto.com, 123FR.com. Thank you to Kingsley Village and Falmouth Library. Graphic design: Gavin Tyler

Twelveth Edition, Printed September 2017. Real Baby Milk is a project of Pollenn CIC.

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The content of the Essential Guide is written and reviewed by Helen Shanahan, Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Stephanie Heard, Health Visitor.

Patrick Shanahan, Katy Blake, Henry Davies, Finola Shanahan, Gavin Tyler. Cath & Samson, Edward & Dominic, Sam & Taylor, Faye & Barnaby, Penny & Florence, Louise & Josie, Peter, Lucy, Byron,

Milly, Jake & Reuben, Jess & Harvey, Jay, Ben, Idris & Ella. Lidwina & Milo, Marianne, Fred & Stan, Sammy & Toby, Sam & Paige, Natasha & Isaac, Tracey & Elijah, Clare & Elijah, Jennifer & Lawrence, Hayley & James, Helen, Nick & Ernie, Sam & Nancy, Lauren, Eva & Mya, Pene & Kiri,

Patrick Shanahan, Katy Blake, Henry Davies, Finola Shanahan, Gavin Tyler. Cath & Samson, Edward & Dominic, Sam & Taylor, Faye & Barnaby, Penny & Florence, Louise & Josie, Peter, Lucy, Byron, Cath & Samson, Edward & Dominic, Sam & Taylor, Faye & Barnaby, Penny & Florence, Louise & Josie, Peter, Lucy, Byron,

Milly, Jake & Reuben, Jess & Harvey, Jay, Ben, Idris & Ella. Lidwina & Milo, Marianne, Fred & Stan, Sammy & Toby, Sam & Paige, Natasha & Isaac, Tracey & Elijah, Clare & Elijah, Jennifer & Lawrence, Hayley & James, Helen, Nick & Ernie, Sam & Nancy, Lauren, Eva & Mya, Pene & Kiri, Jodie, Ross & Jesse, Bill & Lyra, Amel, Leen & Haneen, Amelia & Bertie, Jamie, Adilena & Ordella, Simon & Letty, Jill & Ruby, Hannah Kemp, Angela & Finn, Raksha & Rhythm, Caroline & Elliott, Liz & Jennifer, Jen & Owen, Karen & Joel, Stock Photos,istockphoto.com, 123FR.com.

Isaac, Tracey & Elijah, Clare & Elijah, Jennifer & Lawrence, Hayley & James, Helen, Nick & Ernie, Sam & Nancy, Lauren, Eva & Mya, Pene & Kiri, Jodie, Ross & Jesse, Bill & Lyra, Amel, Leen & Haneen, Amelia & Bertie, Jamie, Adilena & Ordella, Simon & Letty, Jill & Ruby, Hannah Kemp, Angela & Finn, Raksha & Rhythm, Caroline & Elliott, Liz & Jennifer, Jen & Owen, Karen & Joel, Stock Photos,istockphoto.com, 123FR.com. Angela & Finn, Raksha & Rhythm, Caroline & Elliott, Liz & Jennifer, Jen & Owen, Karen & Joel, Stock Photos,istockphoto.com, 123FR.com.

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Keep in touch with Real Baby Milk

realbabymilk.org facebook.com/realbabymilk 3

While you are pregnant

things to consider about caring for and feeding your baby

Bonding with your baby starts from the moment you find out you are pregnant. Learn about how your baby is growing and developing!

Your amazing babyAt 20 weeks, your baby is becoming more active, can hear mum’s heartbeat and some noises outside the womb, can swallow and has eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails.

At 24 weeks, your baby has taste buds, fingerprints and footprints, sleeps and wakes regularly, can hear parents’ voices and can be startled by loud noises.

At 28 weeks, your baby can open his or her eyes, sense light and dark and is beginning to practice ‘breathing’ movements.

By 37 weeks, your baby will be much more mature, kicking, stretching and wriggling and ready to be born within the next month.

Talking to your baby as he or she grows inside you helps you get to know each other before your baby is even born. Noticing when your baby moves and touching and stroking your bump all help you to understand the changes your baby is going through and to begin to build your relationship. Your partner and other family members can also talk to your baby and start to get to know them. All these things will help your baby’s brain development so that when they are born, you are all ready to learn and grow together.

Ask your midwife or local Children’s Centre about joining in our Bump to Baby antenatal classes in your area to find out more!

members can also talk to your baby and start to get to know them. All these things will help your baby’s brain development so will help your baby’s brain development so that when they are born, you are all ready to learn and grow together.that when they are born, you are all ready that when they are born, you are all ready

37 weeks, your baby will be much , your baby will be much more mature, kicking, stretching and wriggling and ready to be born within the next month.wriggling and ready to be born within the next month.

Talking to your baby as he or she grows inside you helps you get to know each other Talking to your baby as he or she grows inside you helps you get to know each other before your baby is even born. Noticing

Talking to your baby as he or she grows inside you helps you get to know each other before your baby is even born. Noticing when your baby moves and touching and stroking your bump all help you to when your baby moves and touching and stroking your bump all help you to stroking your bump all help you to understand the changes your baby is going through and to begin to build your relationship. Your partner and other family going through and to begin to build your relationship. Your partner and other family members can also talk to your baby and start to get to know them. All these things start to get to know them. All these things will help your baby’s brain development so

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and some noises outside the womb, can swallow and has eyebrows, eyelashes , your baby is becoming more active, can hear mum’s heartbeat

and some noises outside the womb, can swallow and has eyebrows, eyelashes , your baby is becoming more active, can hear mum’s heartbeat , your baby is becoming more active, can hear mum’s heartbeat

and some noises outside the womb, can swallow and has eyebrows, eyelashes

24 weeksfingerprints and footprints, sleeps and wakes fingerprints and footprints, sleeps and wakes regularly, can hear parents’ voices and can be startled by loud noises.startled by loud noises.

weeks, your baby can open his or her eyes, sense light and dark and is beginning to practice ‘breathing’ movements.eyes, sense light and dark and is beginning to practice ‘breathing’ movements.eyes, sense light and dark and is beginning to practice ‘breathing’ movements.


Why is breastfeeding important?

Breastfeeding also helps protect your baby from:P Severe diarrhoea and vomitingP Chest infections P EczemaP Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death)P Ear infectionsP Obesity

Breastfeeding also helps protect you from:P Ovarian cancerP Osteoporosis (weak bones later in life)P Obesity (helps you lose weight)

Breastfeeding protects against:• Asthma• Breast cancer• Coughs and colds• Diabetes

The Dept of Health recommends that all pregnant women take a suitable vitamin supplement, and you may be eligible for free vitamins and help with the cost of food. Ask your midwife or health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.

Vitamin D is important for health and our main source is from sunlight. Due to many people’s lack of exposure to the sun, the Department of Health recently recommended that everyone over one year of age (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should take a 10 micrograms (mcg) vitamin D supplement daily and, as a precaution, breastfed babies from birth up to one year of age also be given a supplement of 8.5 to 10 mcg vitamin D per day.

Babies who are formula fed do not require vitamin D if they are having 500ml/day of infant formula or more, as infant formula already has added vitamin D.

If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, it is very important that you are given information about preparing and feeding formula milk as safely as possible. Please discuss this with a member of your midwifery or health visiting team who can provide you with the correct information and a leaflet to support this. Remember you can always change your mind!

You can also download information about bottle feeding from www.nhs.uk

Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby and your baby’s good health and development depend on breastmilk. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside other foods for at least the first two years and beyond. This will give your baby the best start in life. However, any amount of your breastmilk will always be good for your baby’s health and wellbeing.

Remember A B C D:

breastfeeding for about the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside other foods for at least the first two years and beyond. This

developmentHealth Organisation recommends exclusive

for at least the first two years and beyond. This will give your baby the best start in life. However, any amount of your breastmilk will always be

Remember A B C D:

good for your baby’s health and wellbeing.

will give your baby the best start in life. However, any amount of your breastmilk will always be good for your baby’s health and wellbeing.

Remember A B C D:

will give your baby the best start in life. However, any amount of your breastmilk will always be will give your baby the best start in life. However, any amount of your breastmilk will always be good for your baby’s health and wellbeing.

Breastfeeding protects against:Asthm

reast canceroughs and colds

Breastfeeding protects against:Breastfeeding protects against:sthmreast cancer

Breastfeeding protects against:Breastfeeding protects against:

oughs and colds

and, as a precaution, breastfed babies from birth up to one year of age also be given a supplement of 8.5 to 10 mcg vitamin D per day.

Babies who are formula fed do not require

of 8.5 to 10 mcg vitamin D per day.

Babies who are formula fed do not require vitamin D if they are having 500ml/day of infant formula or more, as infant formula already has added vitamin D.formula or more, as infant formula already has added vitamin D.

If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, it is very important that you are given information about preparing and feeding formula milk as safely as possible. Please discuss this with a member of

If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, it is very If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, it is very important that you are given information about preparing and feeding formula milk as safely as possible. Please discuss this with a member of your midwifery or health visiting team who can

preparing and feeding formula milk as safely as possible. Please discuss this with a member of your midwifery or health visiting team who can provide you with the correct information and a leaflet to support this. Remember you can always

your midwifery or health visiting team who can provide you with the correct information and a leaflet to support this. Remember you can always provide you with the correct information and a leaflet to support this. Remember you can always

You can also download information about bottle

leaflet to support this. Remember you can always

Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding important?Why is breastfeeding Why is breastfeeding Why is breastfeeding important?

feedand

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive

feedand

protectSevere diarrhoea and vomiting

EczemaSudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death)Ear infections

P

P P

P Severe diarrhoea and vomitingChest infections

Ear infectionsObesity

BreastfeedingBreastfeeding alsoprotect you from:

Ovarian cancerOsteoporosis (weak bones later in life)Obesity (helps you lose weight)

The Dept of Health recommends that all pregnant

Obesity (helps you lose weight)

The Dept of Health recommends that all pregnant women take a suitable vitamin supplement, and The Dept of Health recommends that all pregnant women take a suitable vitamin supplement, and you may be eligible for free vitamins and help with the cost of food. Ask your midwife or health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.with the cost of food. Ask your midwife or health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.

Vitamin D is important for health and our main source is from sunlight. Due to many people’s lack of exposure to the sun, the Department of

Vitamin D is important for health and our main source is from sunlight. Due to many people’s lack of exposure to the sun, the Department of Health recently recommended that everyone over one year of age (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should take a 10 micrograms (mcg) vitamin D supplement daily


Suggestions for things you will find useful to bring with you for the birth:

P Maternity notes, birth plan, Essential Guide to Feeding & Caring For Your Baby, baby’s red book

P Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts tracksuit bottoms

P Dressing gown, socks and slippers/flip flops/sandalsP Lots of pants, old comfy ones are best!P Maternity pads (or night-time sanitary pads)P 1 or 2 Maternity/nursing bras and a few breastpadsP Wash bag, toiletries, lip balm, cosmetics etcP Hairbrush, scrunchies, hairbands etcP Towels, at least 2P Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)P Drinks and snacks for you and your birth partnerP Change for vending machinesP CameraP Mobile phone and numbers (you can buy credit for the

bedside phone/TV/internet if you stay in hospital)P Music/oils/massage tools/water spray/birthing ball if desiredP Reading material, writing pad and pen

For the baby:P Newborn nappiesP Cotton wool roll/pleat/balls (not baby bath, lotion

etc, newborn skin is very fragile)P Sleepsuits and vestsP Newborn cardigan, hat and socksP Baby blanketsP Infant car seatPlease try to pack everything into just 1 or 2 compact bags – ward space around your bed is quite limited!

Remember, you DON’T need to bring a dummy. Giving a breastfed baby a dummy, formula milk or water will interfere with breastfeeding and may reduce your breastmilk supply.

If you are going to give birth at a hospital or birth unit in Cornwall and plan to feed your baby with formula from birth, please bring bottles, teats, teat covers and a bottle brush - we will provide 1 brand of ready-to-feed formula and will support you to use your own equipment to feed your baby responsively with small quantities of milk which suit your baby’s stomach size (see pages 10, 19 and 25).

Please do not bring in ‘starter packs’ of ready-to-feed formula as these are very expensive and much of the milk will be wasted.

Remember,Remember,Givingwaterwater willreducereduce your

If you are going to give birth at a hospital or birth unit in Cornwall and plan to feed your baby with If you are going to give birth at a hospital or birth

PP

Lots of pants, old comfy ones are best!P Maternity pads (or night-time sanitary pads)

Hairbrush, scrunchies, hairbands etcP Towels, at least 2

Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)

PP

Change for vending machines

Mobile phone and numbers (you can buy credit for the

Drinks and snacks for you and your birth partnerPPP Change for vending machines

Towels, at least 2Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)Towels, at least 2Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)Drinks and snacks for you and your birth partner

Mobile phone and numbers (you can buy credit for the bedside phone/TV/internet if you stay in hospital)Music/oils/massage tools/water spray/birthing ball if desiredMusic/oils/massage tools/water spray/birthing ball if desiredReading material, writing pad and pen

Newborn nappiesCotton wool roll/pleat/balls (not baby bath, lotion etc, newborn skin is very fragile)Cotton wool roll/pleat/balls (not baby bath, lotion etc, newborn skin is very fragile)

Newborn cardigan, hat and socks

Cotton wool roll/pleat/balls (not baby bath, lotion

Newborn cardigan, hat and socks

Please try to pack everything into just 1 or 2 compact bags – ward space around your bed is quite limited!Please try to pack everything into just 1 or 2 compact bags – ward space around your bed is quite limited!bags – ward space around your bed is quite limited!

dummy. milk or

Suggestions for things you will find useful to bring with you for the birth:

Suggestions for things you Suggestions for things you will find useful to bring with Suggestions for things you will find useful to bring with you for the birth:

Maternity notes, birth plan, Essential Guide to Feeding & Caring For Your Baby, baby’s red book

you for the birth:

Maternity notes, birth plan, Essential Guide to Feeding & Caring For

you for the birth:

Maternity notes, birth plan, Essential Guide to Feeding & Caring For

Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts

Dressing gown, socks and slippers/flip flops/sandalsDressing gown, socks and slippers/flip flops/sandalsLots of pants, old comfy ones are best!Maternity pads (or night-time sanitary pads)

Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts

Dressing gown, socks and slippers/flip flops/sandalsLots of pants, old comfy ones are best!

Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts Comfy sleep wear and/or stretchy camisoles/ T-shirts/shorts

1 or 2 Maternity/nursing bras and a few breastpads1 or 2 Maternity/nursing bras and a few breastpads

Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)Pillow(s) (more comfy than a hospital one with a plastic liner)


We recognise the importance of supporting all parents to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong and loving parent-infant relationships, and these relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to good physical and emotional health outcomes for your baby and you, so we will encourage you to breastfeed your baby.

All the staff have been specially trained to support you to feed your baby.

During your pregnancy, you will be able to discuss feeding and caring for your baby individually with a trained health care professional who will answer any questions you may have.

We recommend that you hold your new baby in uninterrupted skin contact as soon as possible after birth, at least until after the first feed and for as long as you want. The staff will not interfere or hurry you but will be there to support you and to help you with your first feed.

A Midwife or a trained maternity support worker will be available to help you become confident with breastfeeding your baby and recognising that your baby is feeding effectively. A member of the Health Visiting team or voluntary workers will provide support later on. If you choose to feed your baby with formula milk, we will provide you with information and guidance on techniques

for holding your baby to bottle feed and on making up feeds so that you can do this as safely as possible.

We will show you how to express your breast milk and we will give you written information about this.

We recommend that you keep your baby near you whenever you can so that you can get to know each other. We will give you information and advice about bed-sharing and infant safety. If any medical procedures are necessary in hospital, you will always be invited to accompany your baby.

We will encourage you to respond to your baby’s needs for food, comfort and closeness.

We recommend that you avoid using bottles, dummies and nipple shields while your baby is learning to breastfeed. This is because they can make it more difficult for your baby to learn to breastfeed successfully and for you to establish a good milk supply. Use of a dummy at any time in the breastfeeding period

may reduce your baby’s feeding demands and this may, in turn, reduce your milk supply.

Most babies do not need to be given anything other than breast milk until they are around 6 months old. If for some reason your baby needs some other food or drink before this, the reason will be fully explained to you by the staff.

We will help you to recognise when your baby is ready for other foods (normally at around 6 months) and explain how these can be introduced.

We welcome breastfeeding in all areas of our premises. If you would prefer somewhere private, please ask a member of staff.

We will give you a list of people who you can contact for extra help and support with feeding and caring for your baby, or who can help if you have a problem.

Helen Shanahan & Stephanie Heard (Infant Feeding Coordinators)

[email protected]

[email protected]

Parents' guide to the Cornwall policy on infant feeding

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babyWays in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babyAll the staff have been specially trained to support you to feed your baby.

During your pregnancy,

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babyAll the staff have been specially trained to support All the staff have been specially trained to support you to feed your baby.

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babyWays in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babyAll the staff have been

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your baby

you will be able to discuss feeding and caring for

with a trained health care professional who will answer any questions you may have.

express your breast milk and we will give you written information about this.

We recommend that you keep your baby near you whenever you can so that you can get to know each other. We will give you information

whenever you can so that you can get to know each other. We will give you information and advice about bed-

whenever you can so that you can get to know each other. We will give you information and advice about bed-sharing and infant safety. If any medical procedures are necessary in hospital, If any medical procedures are necessary in hospital, you will always be invited to accompany your baby.

We will encourage you to

you will always be invited to

We will encourage you to respond to your baby’s needs

private, please ask a member of staff.

We will give you a list of people who you can contact for extra help and support with feeding and caring for your baby, or who can help if you have a problem.

with feeding and caring for your baby, or who can help if your baby, or who can help if you have a problem.

Helen Shanahan

you have a problem.

Helen Shanahan & Stephanie Heard (Infant Feeding Coordinators)& Stephanie Heard (Infant Feeding Coordinators)(Infant Feeding Coordinators)

[email protected]

[email protected]

Parents' guide to the Cornwall policy on infant feedinginfant feedingCornwall policy on infant feedingCornwall policy on Cornwall policy on Parents' guide to the Parents' guide to the Parents' guide to the Cornwall policy on Parents' guide to the Cornwall policy on Parents' guide to the Parents' guide to the Cornwall policy on Parents' guide to the

We recognise the importance of supporting all parents to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong and loving parent-infant relationships, and these and loving parent-infant relationships, and these relationships are crucial for future good health and well-

infant feedinginfant feedingWe recognise the importance of supporting all parents to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong We recognise the importance of supporting all parents to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong and loving parent-infant relationships, and these

infant feedingWe recognise the importance of supporting all parents

infant feedingWe recognise the importance of supporting all parents

infant feeding

and loving parent-infant relationships, and these relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to good physical and emotional health outcomes for your baby and you, so we will encourage you to breastfeed

being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to good physical and emotional health outcomes for your

relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to good physical and emotional health outcomes for your baby and you, so we will encourage you to breastfeed

relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your babymay reduce your baby’s feeding demands and this may, in turn, reduce your milk supply.

Ways in which we will support you with feeding and caring for your baby

feeding demands and this may, in turn, reduce your milk supply.

Most babies do not need

may, in turn, reduce your

Most babies do not need to be given anything other than breast milk until they are around 6 months old. If than breast milk until they are around 6 months old. If for some reason your baby needs some other food or drink before this, the reason drink before this, the reason will be fully explained to you

to feed their babies with confidence and to build strong

relationships are crucial for future good health and well-being. Breastfeeding makes a significant contribution to relationships are crucial for future good health and well-

KEEPS BABY WARM

CALMS BABY’S HEARTBEAT

REDUCES MUM’S AND BABY’S STRESS LEVELS

REGULATES BABY’S BREATHING

HELPS WITH BABY’S FIRST FEED

Important for ALL babies because it:

Skin to skin contact

Where possible, you should be supported to keep your baby in uninterrupted skin contact for at least the first hour after birth or until your baby has had their first feed. Remember – skin to skin contact is for ALL babies. You can breastfeed your baby in skin contact, and if you are not breastfeeding, you can bottle feed your baby while holding them skin to skin so that you can both enjoy this closeness and comfort.

If skin contact cannot start straight after birth, or if it has to be interrupted for a medical reason, you should be supported to start skin to skin as soon as you and your baby are ready. This might be kangaroo care on the neonatal unit if your baby is born pre-term or unwell, and skin contact is especially important to help you both overcome the stress of separation and extra care needs.


Where possible, you should be supported to keep your baby in uninterrupted skin contact for at least the first hour after birth or until your baby has had their first feed. Remember – skin to Where possible, you should be supported to keep your baby in uninterrupted skin contact for

CALMS

REDUCES

REGULATES

BABY’SREDUCESBABY’SREDUCESBABY’S

MUM’SSTRESS

REGULATES BABY’S

WITH BABY’S

Where possible, you should be supported to keep your baby in uninterrupted skin contact for at least the first hour after birth or until your baby has had their first feed. Remember – skin to

baby in skinholding them

Where possible, you should be supported to keep your baby in uninterrupted skin contact for at least the first hour after birth or until your baby has had their first feed. Remember – skin to

contact,them skin

contact, and if you are not to skin

If skin contact cannot start straight after birth, or if it has to be interrupted for a medical reason, If skin contact cannot start straight after birth, or if it has to be interrupted for a medical reason, you should be supported to start skin to skin as soon as you and your baby are ready. This might If skin contact cannot start straight after birth, or if it has to be interrupted for a medical reason, you should be supported to start skin to skin as soon as you and your baby are ready. This might be kangaroo care on the neonatal unit if your baby is born pre-term or unwell, and skin contact is especially important to help you both overcome the stress of separation and extra care needs.

If skin contact cannot start straight after birth, or if it has to be interrupted for a medical reason, you should be supported to start skin to skin as soon as you and your baby are ready. This might you should be supported to start skin to skin as soon as you and your baby are ready. This might

Skin to skin contactSkin to skin contactSkin to skin contactSkin to skin contactSkin to skin contact

babies


Oxytocin and your baby’s amazing brain

Your baby’s brain is still very much a ‘work in progress’ when he or she is born and a huge amount of brain development continues in the first 2 years of life. We know that interaction between babies and parents has a long term and lasting impact on a baby’s social and emotional development.

All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes babies feel safe, loved and secure. Keep your baby close and enjoy spending time with her. Talk and sing to her, and take time to pause and listen for her to copy you and respond to you. Hold her in skin contact, try carrying her in a sling and don’t leave her to cry. Every time you cuddle your baby, smile with her, listen to and talk to her calmly and lovingly, and feed her promptly as often and for as long as she needs, her young brain releases Oxytocin, a hormone that helps her brain to grow.

Oxytocin is a feel-good hormone, which is released in you too when you cuddle your baby, and it also makes you feel calm and happy and helps you bond closely with your baby.

Responding to her needs in this way will help her grow into a secure, confident toddler and child, ready to cope with temporary separation from you (e.g. when she goes to nursery or when you go to work) and ready to keep learning and growing!

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As your baby grows and you all get to know each other better, you become the expert in the care of your baby. As parents and other close family and friends, you are the people your baby most loves to spend time with. He or she does not need lots of expensive toys or gadgets – you are the most important carer, teacher and role model your child will ever have, and the stories you read with your child, the songs you sing together and the games you play help with learning, familiarity and adventure.

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All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes

close and enjoy spending time with her. Talk and sing to her, and take time to pause and listen for her to copy you and respond to you. Hold her in

babies feel safe, loved and secure. Keep your baby

All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes babies feel safe, loved and secure. Keep your baby

sing to her, and take time to pause and listen for her to copy you and respond to you. Hold her in skin contact, try carrying her in a sling and don’t leave her to cry. Every time you cuddle your baby, leave her to cry. Every time you cuddle your baby, smile with her, listen to and talk to her calmly and lovingly, and feed her promptly as often and for as long as she needs, her young brain releases and lovingly, and feed her promptly as often and for as long as she needs, her young brain releases

, a hormone that helps her brain to grow.

is a feel-good hormone, which is released in you too when you cuddle your baby, and it also

, a hormone that helps her brain to grow.

is a feel-good hormone, which is released in you too when you cuddle your baby, and it also makes you feel calm and happy and helps you

is a feel-good hormone, which is released in you too when you cuddle your baby, and it also makes you feel calm and happy and helps you bond closely with your baby.

Responding to her needs in this way will help her Responding to her needs in this way will help her grow into a secure, confident toddler and child, ready to cope with temporary separation from you (e.g. when she goes to nursery or when you go to

grow into a secure, confident toddler and child, ready to cope with temporary separation from you (e.g. when she goes to nursery or when you go to work) and ready to keep learning and growing!

All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes babies feel safe, loved and secure. Keep your baby

All babies have needs for comfort, closeness and food, and responding to these needs makes


How will I know what my baby needs?

Keep your baby close by in the first days and weeks after they are bornThis will:• Help you get to know each other• Make feeding cues easy to see• Enable you to feed your baby responsively• Help your baby feel safe and cared for

All babies need lots of touching, holding and cuddling. When babies feel secure and loved, they release a hormone called Oxytocin.

Oxytocin helps babies’ brains to grow and helps them to be happy babies and more confident children and adults. You can’t ‘spoil’ a baby by giving them your attention. Leaving a baby to cry is stressful for them (and for you!) and may affect their health and development.

Feeding cues: • Hands to mouth • Turning head • Licking lips

• Mouthing • Squeaking noises • Light fussing

• Rooting (moving mouth and head as if looking for a feed)

Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Waiting until they cry for food will make it more difficult to breastfeed them. Whenever you feed your baby, hold them close and give them eye contact.

For successful breastfeeding, you need to feed your baby whenever they ask and for as long as they want at each feed. Remember – most babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk for about the first 6 months, see page 30 for more information about starting other foods and continuing to breastfeed.

If you’re not breastfeeding, it’s still important to feed your baby whenever they ask, and remember this should be little and often. Giving large volumes of formula milk will stretch baby’s stomach and may cause vomiting.

• Mouthing• Mouthing

• Rooting

Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Waiting until they cry for food will make it more difficult to breastfeed Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Waiting Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Waiting

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Make feeding cues easy to seeEnable you to feed your baby responsively

All babies need lots of touching, holding and cuddling. When babies feel secure and loved, they release a hormone called

Help your baby feel

All babies need lots of touching, holding and cuddling. When babies feel secure and loved,

Enable you to feed your baby responsivelyHelp your baby feelEnable you to feed your baby responsivelyHelp your baby feel

cuddling. When babies feel secure and loved, they release a hormone called

Oxytocin helps babies’babies’helps them to be happy babies and more confident children and adults. You can’t ‘spoil’ a baby by giving them your attention. ‘spoil’ a baby by giving them your attention. Leaving a baby to cry is stressful for them (and for you!) and may affect their health (and for you!) and may affect their health

Turning head

Squeaking noises

Turning head

Squeaking noises

(moving mouth and head as if looking for a feed)(moving mouth and head as if looking for a feed)

Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Waiting until they cry for food will make it more difficult to breastfeed them. Whenever you feed your baby, hold them close and give until they cry for food will make it more difficult to breastfeed

For successful breastfeeding, you need to feed your baby whenever

most babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk for about

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Your baby has a tiny stomach, about the size of a marble. This is because the first milk that mum makes (colostrum) comes in very small quantities and the baby needs to take small and frequent feeds. The amount the baby takes at each feed gradually increases over the first few days. This is why, if you are feeding your baby with formula milk, it’s important to feed little and often.

Colostrum is thick and concentrated and may be clear, white, yellow, green or red in colour! These colours are normal and colostrum contains precious antibodies to protect baby from infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect which the baby needs to clear its gut of sticky meconium poo.

Your baby’s digestive system is made to process breastmilk, so giving no breastmilk at all may lead to health problems. Even if you don’t want to fully breastfeed, any breastfeeds or breastmilk that you give are still really worthwhile – keep giving this for as long as you want to

Breastfeeding is more than food for your baby!Giving your baby milk is very important, but breastfeeding gives your baby much more than just milk. You can offer your baby a breastfeed to:

• Comfort your baby when they are upset• Enjoy being close and loving together• Rest and relax together• Relieve fullness in your breasts• Fit in with family activities, e.g. so baby is content while you attend to older children

It’s never inappropriate to offer your baby a breastfeed and you cannot overfeed a breastfed baby!

Milk for your baby from birth

Vitamin D for all babiesVitamin D is important for health and our main source is from sunlight. Due to many people’s lack of exposure to the sun, the Department of Health recently recommended that everyone over one year of age (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should take a 10 micrograms (mcg)vitamin D supplement daily and, as a precaution, breastfed babies from birth up to one year of age also be given a supplement of 8.5 to 10 mcg vitamin D per day.

Formula milk has this vitamin D supplement already added, so if a baby is formula fed and taking at least 500ml a day there is no need to give an additional dose of Vitamin D. Infant formula suitable from birth can be used throughout the first year and then baby can have ordinary full fat cow’s milk and should be offered a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement alongside this.

is why, if you are feeding your baby with formula milk, it’s important to feed little and often.

Colostrum is thick and concentrated and may be clear, white, yellow, green or red in colour! These colours are normal and colostrum contains

Colostrum is thick and concentrated and may

is why, if you are feeding your baby with formula milk, it’s important to feed little and often.is why, if you are feeding your baby with formula milk, it’s important to feed little and often.

These colours are normal and colostrum contains precious antibodies to protect baby from infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect which the baby needs to clear its gut of sticky meconium poo.

Your baby’s digestive system is made to process

infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect which the baby needs to clear its gut of sticky

precious antibodies to protect baby from infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect which the baby needs to clear its gut of sticky meconium poo.

precious antibodies to protect baby from infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect precious antibodies to protect baby from infections. Colostrum has a strong laxative effect

Your baby’s digestive system is made to process breastmilk, so giving no breastmilk at all may lead to health problems. Even if you don’t want to fully to health problems. Even if you don’t want to fully breastfeed, any breastfeeds or breastmilk that you give are still really worthwhile – keep giving this for give are still really worthwhile – keep giving this for

your baby!Giving your baby milk is very important, but breastfeeding gives your baby much more than just milk. You can offer your baby a breastfeed to:breastfeeding gives your baby much more than just milk. You can offer your baby a breastfeed to:

• Comfort your baby when they are upset• Enjoy being close and loving together• Comfort your baby when they are upset• Enjoy being close and loving together• Rest and relax together• Relieve fullness in your breasts• Fit in with family activities, e.g. so baby is content while you attend to older children

• Relieve fullness in your breasts• Relieve fullness in your breasts• Fit in with family activities, e.g. so baby is • Fit in with family activities, e.g. so baby is content while you attend to older children

It’s never inappropriate to offer your baby

content while you attend to older children

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our baby has a tiny stomach, about the size of our baby has a tiny stomach, about the size of a marble. This is because the first milk that mum makes (colostrum) comes in very small quantities and the baby needs to take small and frequent feeds. The amount the baby takes at each feed gradually increases over the first few days. This is why, if you are feeding your baby with formula

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Babies do not always feed enthusiastically after birth, perhaps because of a stressful birth, separation of you and your baby for whatever reason, illness or the influence of certain drugs given in labour. Sometimes there is no obvious reason why your baby seems reluctant to feed. There are several things that will really help you and your baby to overcome these difficulties.

• Don’t panic! Remember babies are hard-wired to breastfeed, it is the normal and natural way for a baby to feed, it just may take a little time and patience.

• Keep your baby skin to skin as much as possible– this is like showing your baby the menu! Try holding your baby inside a camisole or vest top so you can rest and recover together in skin contact.

• Try the ‘laid back’ approach! (see page 15) This enables your baby to use natural reflex behaviour to help him/her find the breast and feed effectively when ready.

• Hand express and give your baby your colostrum. You can express and finger feed (make sure you have clean hands and short nails), or you can collect your breastmilk in a cup and give it with a syringe. Keep expressing and giving your colostrum every couple of hours until your baby is waking and asking for feeds (see page 9) – this will ensure your baby gets your milk and your breasts get the message that they need to keep making more milk.

What can I do if my new baby is reluctant to feed?

• Midwifery staff will support you with feeding and expressing and will observe your baby to ensure he or she is well, or will refer to paediatricians if there are any concerns. If you are at home, keep going with skin contact, encouragement to feed and hand expressing, and contact your midwife.

Don’tbreastfeed, it is the normal and natural way for a baby

Keepis like showing your baby the menu! Try holding your baby inside a camisole or vest top so you

• Don’tbreastfeed, it is the normal and natural way for a baby

is like showing your baby the menu! Try holding your baby inside a camisole or vest top so you can rest and recover together in skin contact.

‘laid back’your baby to use natural reflex behaviour to help him/her find the breast and feed effectively when ready.

expressher find the breast and feed effectively when ready.

express and giveYou can express and finger feed (make sure you have clean hands and short nails), or you can collect your breastmilk in a cup and give it with a syringe. Keep

You can express and finger feed (make sure you have clean hands and short nails), or you can collect your breastmilk in a cup and give it with a syringe. Keep expressing and giving your colostrum every couple of hours until your baby is waking and asking for feeds

clean hands and short nails), or you can collect your breastmilk in a cup and give it with a syringe. Keep expressing and giving your colostrum every couple of hours until your baby is waking and asking for feeds (see page 9) – this will ensure your baby gets your milk and your breasts get the message that they need to (see page 9) – this will ensure your baby gets your milk and your breasts get the message that they need to

with feeding and expressing and will observe your baby to ensure he or with feeding and expressing and will observe your baby to ensure he or she is well, or will refer to paediatricians if there are any concerns. If you are at home, keep going with skin contact, encouragement to feed and hand expressing, and contact your midwife.

with feeding and expressing and will observe your baby to ensure he or with feeding and expressing and will observe your baby to ensure he or she is well, or will refer to paediatricians if there are any concerns. If you are at home, keep going with

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Remember babies are hard-wired to breastfeed, it is the normal and natural way for a baby breastfeed, it is the normal and natural way for a baby to feed, it just may take a little time and patience.

as much as possible– this is like showing your baby the menu! Try holding your


There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:

P The position must be comfortable for you to stay in throughout the feed.

P The baby needs to be held close to your body, facing your breast.

P The baby’s head, neck and body all need to be in a straight line (head and neck not twisted).

P The baby’s nose should be opposite your nipple at the start.

P The baby’s head must be free to tilt backwards as he is brought into the breast.

Breastfeeding Positions

The position most mums use instinctively

Your hand needs to be supporting your baby’s shoulders and make sure he is free to tilt his head back out over your wrist.

Some mums find it helpful to shape the breast, making a ‘burger’ shape between index and middle fingers so your baby can take a big mouthful.

Cradle

“ I love using the cradle hold so that you can cuddle up, they don't stay cuddly for

long - make the most of it!” Karen, mum of Joel

If you are in a chair or sitting up in bed, you will probably find it more comfortable to lean back onto pillows or cushions, so that your back is well-supported. This means that your baby can use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!

mum’s eye view

P

P

Cradle

onto pillows or cushions, so that your back is well-supported. This means that your baby can use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!

CradleCradle

use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!

mum’s eye view

“ I love using the cradle hold I love using the cradle hold so that you can cuddle up, they don't stay cuddly for so that you can cuddle up, they don't stay cuddly for

long - make the most of it!they don't stay cuddly for

long - make the most of it!

Karen, mum of Joel

they don't stay cuddly for long - make the most of it!long - make the most of it!

Breastfeeding PositionsBreastfeeding PositionsBreastfeeding PositionsBreastfeeding PositionsBreastfeeding Positions


comfortable

There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:

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If you are in a chair or sitting up in bed, you will probably find it more comfortable to lean back If you are in a chair or sitting up in bed, you will probably find it more comfortable to lean back onto pillows or cushions, so that your back is well-supported. This means that your baby can use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!use your soft post-birth tummy as a built-in pillow to rest on while they feed!


twisted).

to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed, and we hope you find this guide to them useful - but it is important to note that all of them have things in common:

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P Useful when you are just learning

Cross Cradle

“ It took me a bit of practice, but we got better and better at it and now it's easy. She

just snuggles into my tummy and away we go!”

Liz, mum of Jo

1 Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight of her head is supported, but make sure her head is free to tilt back between your thumb and finger.

2 The palm of your hand supports your baby’s shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to bring her into the breast when ready.

3 Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby’s body close to you while she feeds.

mum’s eye view

Useful

Cross CradleCross CradleP

Cross CradleCross Cradle

Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight of her head is supported, but make sure her head is free to tilt back between your thumb and finger.

The palm of your hand supports your baby’s shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to

of her head is supported, but make sure her head is free to tilt back between your thumb and finger.

Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight of her head is supported, but make sure her head is free to tilt back between your thumb and finger.

The palm of your hand supports your baby’s

Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight of her head is supported, but make sure her head is Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight Use your fingers under the baby’s neck, so the weight of her head is supported, but make sure her head is

The palm of your hand supports your baby’s shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to bring her into the breast when ready.

Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby’s body close to you while she feeds. Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby’s body

shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to bring her into the breast when ready.

Your forearm can tuck the rest of the baby’s body close to you while she feeds.

shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to bring her into the breast when ready.shoulders and you can press on her shoulders to bring her into the breast when ready.


1 The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast height, turned slightly towards you.

2 It is very important that the baby is held very close to your side but is not able to touch anything (e.g. the back of your chair or your cushions) with her feet, otherwise she will push with her legs and will come too far forward.

3 Support your baby’s neck and the weight of her head in the same way as in the cross cradle hold - so her head is free to tilt back.

4 When the baby feels your nipple against her nose, her head will be free to tip back between your finger and thumb as you press her shoulders in towards your breast.

Useful if you have:

P A small or pre-term babyP A Caesarean sectionP Large breasts or inverted nipples

Underarm

you press her shoulders in towards

The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast height, turned slightly towards you.

It is very important that the baby is held very close to your side but is not able to touch anything (e.g. the back

The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast height, turned slightly towards you.The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast height, turned slightly towards you.

It is very important that the baby is held very close to

The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast The baby is usually held on a pillow, just under breast

your side but is not able to touch anything (e.g. the back of your chair or your cushions) with her feet, otherwise she will push with her legs and will come too far forward.

Support your baby’s neck and the weight of her head in the same way as in the cross cradle hold - so her head is

she will push with her legs and will come too far forward.

your side but is not able to touch anything (e.g. the back of your chair or your cushions) with her feet, otherwise she will push with her legs and will come too far forward.

Support your baby’s neck and the weight of her head in

your side but is not able to touch anything (e.g. the back of your chair or your cushions) with her feet, otherwise of your chair or your cushions) with her feet, otherwise she will push with her legs and will come too far forward.

the same way as in the cross cradle hold - so her head is

When the baby feels your nipple against her nose, her head will be free to tip back between your finger and thumb as will be free to tip back between your finger and thumb as

breast.

When the baby feels your nipple against her nose, her head will be free to tip back between your finger and thumb as When the baby feels your nipple against her nose, her head will be free to tip back between your finger and thumb as

breast.

When the baby feels your nipple against her nose, her head


1 You need to lie on your side with your head on the pillows and your shoulders on the mattress.

2 Bend your legs slightly but not enough for the baby’s legs to touch your thighs.

3 The baby should be on his side facing towards you with his nose opposite your nipple. Make sure none of your arm is pressing on the back or top of his head. His head must be free to tilt back.

4 You need to press on the baby’s shoulders with your upper hand (or sometimes the fingertips of your lower hand) to bring him to the breast when he is ready.

Lying Down

Useful if you have:

P Painful stitches or haemorrhoids

P A Caesarean section.

P Also helpful if you are tired and need to feed and rest, but make sure it is safe for your baby if you were to fall asleep while feeding.

Another way to enable baby to access the breast is to place baby on your body and allow her to self attach. You need to be reclining so that baby feels secure. You may need to support baby and/or your breast.

Positioning you and your baby in this way can help to gently encourage skin to skin and body contact, and to enjoy closeness without either feeling any pressure to ‘get on with’ feeding. Instead, this position encourages your baby to use natural

reflex behaviour to help him/her find the breast and feed effectively when ready.

Enjoying time together in this way helps you and baby to have eye contact while feeding and for both of you to relaxand make the most of these special times. NB: also known as Biological Nurturing, see www.biologicalnurturing.com for more information.

The "Laid Back" Approach

3 The baby should be on his side facing towards you with his nose opposite your

pressing on the back or top of his head. His head must be free to tilt back.

4 You need to press on the baby’s shoulders with your upper hand (or sometimes the fingertips of your lower hand) to bring him to the breast when he is ready.to the breast when he is ready.

Another way to enable baby to access the breast is to place baby on your body and allow her to self attach. You need to be reclining so that baby

baby on your body and allow her to self attach. You need to be reclining so that baby feels secure. You may need to support baby and/or feels secure. You may need to support baby and/or your breast.

Positioning you and your baby in this way can help to gently encourage skin to

Positioning you and your Positioning you and your baby in this way can help baby in this way can help to gently encourage skin to skin and body contact, and to enjoy closeness without

to gently encourage skin to skin and body contact, and to enjoy closeness without either feeling any pressure to ‘get on with’ feeding. Instead, either feeling any pressure to ‘get on with’ feeding. Instead, this position encourages

either feeling any pressure to ‘get on with’ feeding. Instead,

Lying Down

Useful have:

Painful stitches or haemorrhoids

Lying DownLying Down

Useful if

Lying DownLying Down

Painful stitches or haemorrhoids

A Caesarean section.

Also helpful if you are tired and need to feed and rest, but make sure it is safe to feed and rest, but make sure it is safe for your baby if you were to fall asleep

Also helpful if you are tired and need


Also helpful if you are tired and need to feed and rest, but make sure it is safe for your baby if you were to fall asleep


Also helpful if you are tired and need

You need to lie on your side with your head on the pillows and your shoulders

for your baby if you were to fall asleep

You need to lie on your side with your

Bend your legs slightly but not enough

reflex behaviour to help him/her find the breast and feed

Approach

reflex behaviour to help him/her find the breast and feed effectively when ready.

Enjoying time together in this way helps you and baby


Good attachment really is the key to successful breastfeeding!

Before you start - You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief, drink, not needing a trip to the loo!). Make sure baby’s head, neck and body are in a straight line - a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on positioning baby so that he can attach effectively to the breast. If you are at all unsure about the attachment of your baby, seek help from your midwife, health visitor or maternity support worker. You can also visit your local support group. Someone observing how your baby feeds can really help to get it right.

Good Attachment

1. The baby should face the breast with nose to nipple - this allows the baby to tilt his head back so that the nipple is aimed at the roof of the mouth.

3. Chin and tongue leading, head tilted back, the nipple goes into the back of roof of mouth as baby is brought towards the breast.

2. When baby gapes wide open, press on the back of his shoulders to bring him in quickly - and you will need to move quickly!

4. Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby should keep suckling and should let go on his own at the end of the feed. The nipple should look the same shape as before the feed.

To see more examples of good attachment, see the ‘Breastfeeding, by Mums, for Mums’ DVD - available from www.realbabymilk.org

It’s important to get this right so that:• Your baby takes plenty of milk and grows• You make plenty of milk• You don’t develop problems such as sore nipples, blocked ducts or mastitis

- a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back

positioning baby so that he can attach effectively to the breast. attachment

worker. You can also visit your local support group. Someone observing how your baby feeds can

of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on positioning baby so that he can attach effectively to the breast.

- a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back

the

a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on

You can also visit your local support group. Someone observing how your baby feeds can really help to get it right.

You can also visit your local support group. Someone observing how your baby feeds can really help to get it right. really help to get it right. really help to get it right. really help to get it right.

The baby should face the breast with nose to nipple - this allows the baby to tilt his head

The baby should face the breast with nose to nipple - this allows the baby to tilt his head back so that the nipple is aimed at the roof of to nipple - this allows the baby to tilt his head back so that the nipple is aimed at the roof of

Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby should keep suckling and should let go on his own at the end of the feed. The nipple should

Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby should keep suckling and should let go on his own at the end of the feed. The nipple should look the same shape as before the feed.

should keep suckling and should let go on his own at the end of the feed. The nipple should look the same shape as before the feed.

To see more examples of good attachment, see the ‘Breastfeeding, by Mums, for Mums’ DVD

look the same shape as before the feed.

To see more examples of good attachment, see the ‘Breastfeeding, by Mums, for Mums’ DVD To see more examples of good attachment, see the ‘Breastfeeding, by Mums, for Mums’ DVD To see more examples of good attachment, see the ‘Breastfeeding, by Mums, for Mums’ DVD

Good attachment really

Good AttachmentGood AttachmentGood AttachmentGood AttachmentGood attachment really is the key to successful

•

Good attachment really is the key to successful • Your

You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief, drink, not needing a trip to the loo!). Make sure baby’s head, neck and body are in a straight line - a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on

You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief,

nipples,

drink, not needing a trip to the loo!). Make sure baby’s head, neck and body are in a straight line You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief,

drink, not needing a trip to the loo!). Make sure baby’s head, neck and body are in a straight line - a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for

nipples,

You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief, You need to feel comfy for the whole feed (comfortable position, pain relief, drink, not needing a trip to the loo!). Make sure baby’s head, neck and body are in a straight line

a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, and his head is free to tilt back. Please see page 12-15 for tips on positioning baby so that he can attach effectively to the breast. If youyou

health visitorYou can also visit your local support group. Someone observing how your baby feeds can

When baby gapes wide open, press on the back of his shoulders to bring him in quickly -

sore


How do I know if my baby is attached properly?P Your baby should have a large

mouthful of breast.

P Your baby’s chin should be pressed into the breast.

P Your baby’s cheeks should be full and rounded.

P If any areola is visible, there should be more above the top lip than below the bottom lip.

P Your baby’s suckling pattern should change from rapid sucks to slow rhythmic suckling, and swallowing may be heard.

P Your baby may pause from time to time, and will start suckling again without coming off or having to reattach.

P Your baby should be relaxed and contented throughout the feed and should come off your breast on his own when he is finished.

P Your nipple should look the same shape as when the feed started.

P The feed should be pain-free and comfortable for you, although the first few sucks may feel quite strong.

P Initial attachment may hurt for 10-20 seconds if your nipple is already damaged but the rest of the feed should be pain-free.

“ If you are not sure, don't hesitate to ask for help.

I found it a bit difficult at the beginning, but now feeding is completely comfortable. I love watching my baby feeding -

I can almost see her growing!” Mary, mum of Fiona

How can I make sure breastfeeding goes well?• Pay special attention to getting baby really well attached at the breast. If you don’t think the

attachment is right, put your finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to take him off and start again

• Feed baby at least eight times in every 24hrs

• Feed baby at least once every night – night-time breastfeeds make more milk!

• Offer both breasts at each feed

• Watch your baby’s suckling pattern – you should see deep slow rhythmical sucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feed

• Keep baby stimulated and active at breast, by talking, eye contact, stroking her hair etc

• If you think your baby is not feeding effectively, ask for help from your midwife or health visiting team. In the meantime, keep breastfeeding and it may be helpful to express and give your baby the expressed milk as well

Even if you do give your baby some formula, for whatever reason, don’t stop breastfeeding/expressing! Ask for help and keep going with mixed feeding while you are working on the problem. See page 18 for information about how to tell whether feeding is going well by looking at your baby’s wet and dirty nappies!

•

sucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feedsucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feedsucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feed

Keep baby stimulated and active at breast, by talking, eye contact, stroking her hair etc

P

P

from rapid sucks to slow rhythmic suckling,

Your baby may pause from time to time, and will start suckling again without coming off or having to reattach.

and swallowing may be heard.from rapid sucks to slow rhythmic suckling, and swallowing may be heard.from rapid sucks to slow rhythmic suckling, and swallowing may be heard.

will start suckling again without coming off or having to reattach.

Your baby should be relaxed and contented Your baby should be relaxed and contented throughout the feed and should come off your breast on his own when he is finished. breast on his own when he is finished.

How can I make sure How can I make sure breastfeeding goes well?How can I make sure breastfeeding goes well?breastfeeding goes well?

Pay special attention to getting baby really well attached at the breast. If you don’t think the attachment is right, put your finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to take him off and start again

Feed baby at least eight times in every 24hrs

Pay special attention to getting baby really well attached at the breast. If you don’t think the attachment is right, put your finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to take him off and start again

Feed baby at least eight times in every 24hrs

Feed baby at least once every night – night-time breastfeeds make more milk!Feed baby at least once every night – night-time breastfeeds make more milk!

Watch your baby’s suckling pattern – you should see deep slow rhythmical Watch your baby’s suckling pattern – you should see deep slow rhythmical sucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feed


If you think your baby is not feeding effectively, ask for help from your midwife or health visiting team. In the meantime, keep breastfeeding and it may be helpful to express and give your baby the expressed milk as well


If you think your baby is not feeding effectively, ask for help from your midwife or If you think your baby is not feeding effectively, ask for help from your midwife or health visiting team. In the meantime, keep breastfeeding and it may be helpful to express and give your baby the expressed milk as wellhealth visiting team. In the meantime, keep breastfeeding and it may be helpful

Even if you do give your baby some formula, for whatever reason, don’t stop breastfeeding/expressing! Ask for help and keep going with mixed feeding while you are working on the Even if you do give your baby some formula, for whatever reason, don’t stop breastfeeding/expressing! Ask for help and keep going with mixed feeding while you are working on the problem. See page 18 for information about how to tell whether feeding is going well by looking expressing! Ask for help and keep going with mixed feeding while you are working on the problem. See page 18 for information about how to tell whether feeding is going well by looking problem. See page 18 for information about how to tell whether feeding is going well by looking problem. See page 18 for information about how to tell whether feeding is going well by looking

How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby How do I know if my baby How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby is attached properly?How do I know if my baby

Your baby should have a large mouthful of breast.

Your baby’s chin should be pressed

Your baby should have a large Your baby should have a large mouthful of breast.Your baby should have a large

Your baby’s chin should be pressed

Your baby’s cheeks should be full

If any areola is visible, there should be more

Your baby’s cheeks should be full

above the top lip than below the bottom lip.

hesitate to ask for help. I found it a bit difficult at the beginning, but now feeding is beginning, but now feeding is completely comfortable. I love watching my baby feeding -

beginning, but now feeding is completely comfortable. I love watching my baby feeding -

I can almost see her growing!I can almost see her growing!

Mary, mum of Fiona

How can I make sure Mary, mum of Fiona

How can I make sure breastfeeding goes well?breastfeeding goes well?

Pay special attention to getting baby really well attached at the breast. If you don’t think the attachment is right, put your finger in the corner of baby’s mouth to take him off and start again Pay special attention to getting baby really well attached at the breast. If you don’t think the


How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk?Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a really important guide to help you understand that your baby is getting enough milk. You change your baby's nappy many times each day - you need to be confident about what the nappies are telling you!

Day 1-2: The meconium nappies.

Your baby’s first poos (meconium) will be black/dark green or brown/black and very sticky. Babies are born with this already in their bowel and colostrum is very laxative and helps them poo it out! Baby will also be having 2 or more wees a day.

Days 3-4: Wetter nappies and greener poos

Nappies at this stage are known as “changing stools”, the poo will be turning a more green colour and this is a sign that your baby is taking in more milk and digesting it. A baby of this age should have at least 2 poos a day. Remember, it is NOT normal for a baby this age to go 24hrs or more without a poo – this is almost always a sign that they are not getting enough milk, so please tell your midwife and ask for help with feeding. Baby will also be having three or more wees a day and wet nappies will feel heavier.

Days 5-6: Yellow poos

Your baby has cleared all the meconium (see day 1-2) from his/her bowels and all babies of this age should be having at least 2 yellow, soft/runny poos, each of a size to cover a £2 coin, per day. This is a minimum - many babies will poo far more than this! This is nothing to worry about and is a good sign that the baby is getting plenty of breastmilk. Your baby should also be having at least 6 heavy wet nappies per day. Your baby will be weighed around day 5 and most babies lose a little weight, well under 10% of their birth weight, which they usually regain by 10-14 days as your milk supply and your feeding confidence become established.

Older breastfed baby “mustard” poos

As your baby gets older, the poos get yellower and are sometimes described as resembling mustard. They should stay soft or runny, and may look “seedy”, this is fine and perfectly normal. Until the baby is at least 4 weeks old, you should continue to see at least 2 poos a day as described above. After this, some exclusively breastfed babies may go several days between poos. This is normal as long as the baby is feeding enthusiastically, having plenty of wet nappies and gaining weight.

Day 1-2

Day 3-4

Day 5-6

Older breastfed baby

“ I was amazed there was so much poo! But I knew it meant he was getting lots of milk

and growing handsomely”Gavin, dad of Edward & Dominic

Top tip: It is sometimes difficult to tell how wet a disposable nappy is due to it feeling dry. A wet disposable nappy generally feels heavier than when it is new and if you are really unsure try pouring three tablespoons of water into a new nappy to see what difference it makes.

DayDay 3-4

Your baby has cleared all the meconium (see day 1-2) from his/her bowels and all babies of this age should be having at least 2 yellow, soft/runny poos, each of a size to cover a £2 coin, per day. This is a minimum - many babies will poo far more than this!

her bowels and all babies of this age should be having at least 2 yellow, soft/runny poos, each of a size to cover a £2 coin, per day. This is a minimum - many babies will poo far more than this! This is nothing to worry about and is a good sign that the baby is getting plenty of breastmilk. Your baby should also be having at least 6 heavy wet nappies per day. Your baby will be weighed is getting plenty of breastmilk. Your baby should also be having at least 6 heavy wet nappies per day. Your baby will be weighed around day 5 and most babies lose a little weight, well under 10% of their birth weight, which they usually regain by 10-14 days as your milk supply and your feeding confidence become established.

around day 5 and most babies lose a little weight, well under 10% of their birth weight, which they usually regain by 10-14 days as your milk supply and your feeding confidence become established.

breastfed baby “mustard”

As your baby gets older, the poos get yellower and are sometimes

“mustard”

As your baby gets older, the poos get yellower and are sometimes described as resembling mustard. They should stay soft or runny, described as resembling mustard. They should stay soft or runny, and may look “seedy”, this is fine and perfectly normal. Until the baby is at least 4 weeks old, you should continue to see at least 2 poos a day as described above. After this, some exclusively breastfed babies may go several days between poos. This is normal as long as the baby is feeding enthusiastically, having plenty of wet nappies

poos a day as described above. After this, some exclusively breastfed babies may go several days between poos. This is normal as long as babies may go several days between poos. This is normal as long as the baby is feeding enthusiastically, having plenty of wet nappies the baby is feeding enthusiastically, having plenty of wet nappies

I was amazed there was so much poo! I was amazed there was so much poo! But I knew it meant he was getting lots of milk

I was amazed there was so much poo! But I knew it meant he was getting lots of milk

and growing handsomelyGavin, dad of Edward & Dominic

But I knew it meant he was getting lots of milk But I knew it meant he was getting lots of milk

How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk?is getting enough milk?How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk?How can I tell my baby How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk?is getting enough milk?Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a really important guide to help you understand that your baby is getting enough milk. You change your baby's nappy many times each day - you need to be confident about what the nappies are telling you!

Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a really important guide to help you understand that your baby is getting enough

Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour

milk. You change your baby's nappy many times each day - you need to be confident about what the nappies are telling you!

1-2:

Your baby’s first poos (meconium) will be black/dark green or brown/black and very sticky. Babies are born with this already in their bowel and colostrum is very laxative and helps them poo it

meconiumbe confident about what the nappies are telling you!

1-2:

Your baby’s first poos (meconium) will be black/dark green or brown/black and very sticky. Babies are born with this already in

be confident about what the nappies are telling you!meconium

be confident about what the nappies are telling you!meconium

brown/black and very sticky. Babies are born with this already in their bowel and colostrum is very laxative and helps them poo it out! Baby will also be having 2 or more wees a day.

nappies and greener

Nappies at this stage are known as “changing stools”, the poo will be turning a more green colour and this is a sign that your baby Nappies at this stage are known as “changing stools”, the poo will be turning a more green colour and this is a sign that your baby is taking in more milk and digesting it. A baby of this age should have at least 2 poos a day. Remember, it is NOT normal for a baby this age to go 24hrs or more without a poo – this is almost always

is taking in more milk and digesting it. A baby of this age should have at least 2 poos a day. Remember, it is NOT normal for a baby this age to go 24hrs or more without a poo – this is almost always a sign that they are not getting enough milk, so please tell your

have at least 2 poos a day. Remember, it is NOT normal for a baby this age to go 24hrs or more without a poo – this is almost always a sign that they are not getting enough milk, so please tell your midwife and ask for help with feeding. Baby will also be having three or more wees a day and wet nappies will feel heavier.three or more wees a day and wet nappies will feel heavier.

Your baby has cleared all the meconium (see day 1-2) from his/her bowels and all babies of this age should be having at least 2 Your baby has cleared all the meconium (see day 1-2) from his/her bowels and all babies of this age should be having at least 2 yellow, soft/runny poos, each of a size to cover a £2 coin, per day. This is a minimum - many babies will poo far more than this! yellow, soft/runny poos, each of a size to cover a £2 coin, per day.

This is nothing to worry about and is a good sign that the baby is getting plenty of breastmilk. Your baby should also be having at least 6 heavy wet nappies per day. Your baby will be weighed around day 5 and most babies lose a little weight, well under 10%

Look at your baby's nappies! It can be a little surprising to see the variety of colour changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a really important guide to help you understand that your baby is getting enough changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a really important guide to help you understand that your baby is getting enough changes in a baby's nappies over the first week, but wet and dirty nappies are a


What is so special about breastmilk?Breastmilk is made by every mum for her particular baby or babies. It is a unique living fluid, full of antibodies to help fight infections, and it keeps changing to meet the needs of your growing, changing baby!

Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is adapted to be just right for your new baby, and is especially valuable if the baby is born early or ill. It is possible to express colostrum in the late stage of pregnancy. This can then be stored and given to your baby if they need extra milk after they are born. This is particularly useful if you anticipate problems with feeding the baby due to conditions such as cleft lip and palate, or if you have diabetes. Ask your midwife if you think this may help you and your baby.

What happens next for you and your baby?

Around weeks 3, 5/6 & 12Baby has a feeding frenzy, also known as a growth spurt, which may last a few days. This is normal and is the baby’s way of telling mum’s body that he is growing and developing and needs mum to make more milk. Mum may worry that she is not making enough milk and be tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’ process and may reduce mum’s breastmilk supply. If mum continues to follow baby’s feeding cues, feeding as often and for as long at the breast as baby requires, she will make the right amount of breastmilk to meet baby’s changing needs.

Day 2/3 Baby feeds keenly and appears very hungry. Baby is sending signals to mum’s breasts to make more milk. Mum may think that she hasn’t made enough milk for her baby. In fact there is no need to panic – as long as baby is fed when and for as long as he wants, the right amount of milk will be made. Giving formula milk will interfere with this process and less breastmilk will be made.

Day 3/4 Mum’s milk starts to ‘come in’, her breasts often feel heavy and there is also a hormone surge at this stage. Mums can often feel highly emotional and may associate this with breastfeeding. This is all normal and begins to settle down within 24-48 hours. If mum continues to feed the baby whenever he asks, for as long as he wants, her body will know how much milk is needed.

Day 5 Baby may lose a little weight - this is very normal for all babies, provided that the weight loss is less than 10% of baby’s birth weight. If the weight loss is close to or greater than 10%, your midwife will discuss this with you and help you make a plan to increase the effectiveness of feeding. Either way it is important that mum continues to respond to baby’s requests for feeds (at least 8 times in 24 hours), so mum’s breasts make plenty of milk and baby soon regains the weight.

Size of stomach at day 1

5-7mlabout a

teaspoon

22-27mlless than an ounce


60-80ml2-3 ounces


plenty of milk and baby soon regains the weight.plenty of milk and baby soon regains the weight.

signals to mum’s breasts to make more milk. Mum may think that she hasn’t made enough milk for her baby. In fact there is no need to panic –

Day 2/3

as long as baby is fed when and for as long as he wants, the right amount of milk will be made. Giving formula milk will interfere with this process and less breastmilk will be made.less breastmilk will be made.

Day 3/4 Mum’s milk starts to ‘come in’, her breasts often feel heavy and there is also a hormone surge at this stage. Mums can often feel

Mum’s milk starts to ‘come in’, her breasts often feel heavy and there is also a hormone surge at this stage. Mums can often feel highly emotional and may associate this with breastfeeding. This is all normal and begins to settle down within 24-48 hours. If mum continues to feed the baby whenever he asks, for as long as he wants,

highly emotional and may associate this with breastfeeding. This is all normal and begins to settle down within 24-48 hours. If mum continues to feed the baby whenever he asks, for as long as he wants, her body will know how much milk is needed.

is all normal and begins to settle down within 24-48 hours. If mum continues to feed the baby whenever he asks, for as long as he wants, her body will know how much milk is needed.

Baby may lose a little weight - this is very normal for all babies, provided that the weight loss is less than 10% of baby’s birth weight. If the weight loss is close to or greater than 10%,

Baby may lose a little weight - this is very normal for all babies, provided that the weight loss is less than 10% of baby’s birth weight. If the weight loss is close to or greater than 10%, your midwife will discuss this with you and help you make a plan to increase the effectiveness of feeding. Either way it is your midwife will discuss this with you and help you make a plan to increase the effectiveness of feeding. Either way it is important that mum continues to respond to baby’s requests for feeds (at least 8 times in 24 hours), so mum’s breasts make

Baby has a feeding frenzy, also known as a growth spurt, which may last a few days. This is

important that mum continues to respond to baby’s requests for feeds (at least 8 times in 24 hours), so mum’s breasts make plenty of milk and baby soon regains the weight.

Baby has a feeding frenzy, also known as a growth spurt, which may last a few days. This is normal and is the baby’s way of telling mum’s body that he is growing and developing and Baby has a feeding frenzy, also known as a growth spurt, which may last a few days. This is normal and is the baby’s way of telling mum’s body that he is growing and developing and needs mum to make more milk. Mum may worry that she is not making enough milk and be tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’

normal and is the baby’s way of telling mum’s body that he is growing and developing and needs mum to make more milk. Mum may worry that she is not making enough milk and be tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’ needs mum to make more milk. Mum may worry that she is not making enough milk and be tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’ process and may reduce mum’s breastmilk supply. If mum continues to follow baby’s feeding cues, feeding as often and for as long at the breast as baby requires, she will make the right

tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’ tempted to give formula. However, giving formula will interfere with the ‘supply and demand’ process and may reduce mum’s breastmilk supply. If mum continues to follow baby’s feeding

What is so special about breastmilk?What is so special What is so special about breastmilk?What is so special What is so special about breastmilk?Breastmilk is made by every mum for her particular baby or babies. It is a unique living fluid, full of antibodies to help fight infections, and it keeps changing to meet the needs of your growing,

about breastmilk?Breastmilk is made by every mum for her particular baby or babies. It is a unique living fluid, full

about breastmilk?about breastmilk?of antibodies to help fight infections, and it keeps changing to meet the needs of your growing,

Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is adapted to be just right for your new baby, and is especially valuable if the baby is born early or ill. It is possible to express colostrum in the late stage of pregnancy. This can then be stored and given to your baby if they need extra milk after they are born. This is particularly useful if you anticipate problems with feeding the baby due to conditions such as cleft lip and palate, or if you have diabetes.

Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is adapted to be just right for your new baby, and is especially valuable if the baby is born early or ill. Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is adapted to be just right for your new baby, and is especially valuable if the baby is born early or ill. It is possible to express colostrum in the late stage of pregnancy. This can then be stored and given

Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is Colostrum is the first milk, made during pregnancy and ready at birth (see also page 10). It is

to your baby if they need extra milk after they are born. This is particularly useful if you anticipate problems with feeding the baby due to conditions such as cleft lip and palate, or if you have diabetes. Ask your midwife if you think this may help you and your baby.Ask your midwife if you think this may help you and your baby.

What happens next for you and your baby?Baby feeds keenly and appears very hungry. Baby is sending Baby feeds keenly and appears very hungry. Baby is sending

signals to mum’s breasts to make more milk. Mum may think that she hasn’t made enough milk for her baby. In fact there is no need to panic – as long as baby is fed when and for as long as he wants, the right amount of

signals to mum’s breasts to make more milk. Mum may think that she hasn’t made enough milk for her baby. In fact there is no need to panic – as long as baby is fed when and for as long as he wants, the right amount of milk will be made. Giving formula milk will interfere with this process and

hasn’t made enough milk for her baby. In fact there is no need to panic – as long as baby is fed when and for as long as he wants, the right amount of milk will be made. Giving formula milk will interfere with this process and

Mum’s milk starts to ‘come in’, her breasts often feel heavy and there is also a hormone surge at this stage. Mums can often feel highly emotional and may associate this with breastfeeding. This less than

SizeSize of stomachat day 3


“ Night time feeds can be really lovely, just me and my baby, warm, snuggly

and safe” Catherine, mum of Dominic

The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot or a crib beside your bed for the first six months.

Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake for feeding and attention during the night.

Night time breastfeeds are especially important for your milk supply.

You can make night time feeds easier by:

P sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months

P learning to breastfeed lying down

Caring for your baby at night

Night-time breastfeeds make more

milk!Reduce the risk of cot deathPlace your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you

O Do not smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

O Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you are a smoker

O Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

O Do not let your baby get too hot.

O Make sure you use a cot mattress which closely fits baby’s cot and has a waterproof cover.

O Avoid use of cot ‘bumpers’ which could entangle baby and remove soft toys from the cot when putting baby down to sleep.

P Keep your baby’s head uncovered

P Place your baby in the “feet to foot” position

P

P sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months

Reduce the risk of cot deathPlace your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you

Do not smoke in pregnancy or let

Place your baby on their back to sleep, Reduce the risk of cot deathPlace your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you

Reduce the risk of cot deathReduce the risk of cot deathPlace your baby on their back to sleep,

Do not smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you are a smoker you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you are a smoker

Never sleep with your baby on a sofa Never sleep with your baby on a sofa

Do not let your baby get too hot. Do not let your baby get too hot.

Make sure you use a cot mattress which closely fits baby’s cot and has a

Caring for your baby at nightbaby at nightCaring for your baby at nightbaby at nightbaby at night

baby sleep at

Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake for feeding and attention during the night.

baby to

Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake

sleep at night



sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months

Night time breastfeeds are especially important for your milk supply. Night time breastfeeds are especially important for your milk supply.



sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months

Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake


Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake Your baby needs you to care for them at night. It is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake


Sharing a bed with your babyThe safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot or a crib beside your bed for the first six months.

Bringing your baby into your bed means that you can breastfeed in comfort. However, it is easy to fall asleep while breastfeeding, so there are important points to consider before taking your baby into bed with you.

If you decide to share a bed with your baby:

• The mattress on which you sleep should be reasonably firm

• Keep your baby away from the pillows

• Make sure your baby cannot fall out of bed or become trapped between the mattress and wall

• Make sure your baby cannot get tangled in blind cords, dressing gown belt etc

• Make sure the bedclothes cannot cover your baby’s face or head

• Don’t leave your baby alone in the bed , as even very young babies can wriggle into a dangerous position

• It is not safe to bed share in the early months if your baby was born very small or pre-term

Information adapted from UNICEF ‘Caring for your baby at night’, acknowledged with thanks!

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death, remember that bed sharing is not appropriate if you or your partner: O are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never

smoke in bed) O have recently drunk alcoholO have taken medication or drugs that

make you sleep more heavilyO feel very tiredO formula feed your babyO share the bed with older children or pets

NEVER sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair as this can increase their risk of sudden infant death

“ We didn't plan to bring the baby into our bed, but when he wouldn't settle anywhere

else, it was very helpful to have information about how to make

it as safe as possible” Sue, mum of Seb

cover your baby’s face or headcover your baby’s face or headcover your baby’s face or head

OO

feel very tiredformula feed your babyO

Ohave recently drunk alcoholO have taken medication or drugs that

make you sleep more heavily

formula feed your babyshare the bed with older children or pets

NEVER sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

If you decide to share

NEVER sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair as this can increase their risk of sudden infant death

If you decide to share a bed with your baby:

The mattress on which you sleep The mattress on which you sleep should be reasonably firmThe mattress on which you sleep should be reasonably firm

Keep your baby away from

Make sure your baby cannot fall out of bed or become trapped between the

Make sure your baby cannot get tangled in blind cords, dressing gown

Sharing a bed with your babywith your babySharing a bed with your babySharing a bed Sharing a bed with your babywith your baby

for

into your bed

your babyfor baby

bed meansbreastfeeding, are

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death, remember that bed sharing is not appropriate if you or your partner:

so there important

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death, remember that bed sharing is not appropriate if you or your partner:

are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never

have taken medication or drugs that

he wouldn't settle anywhere else, it was very helpful to have information about how to make

as this can increase their risk of sudden infant death

else, it was very helpful to have information about how to make

it as safe as possibleSue, mum of Seb


Hand Expressing

P It can be used to help the baby attach to the breast

P It can help to prevent or relieve engorgement

P It is particularly useful for milk in very small quantities, e.g. colostrum

P It can be used to help clear blocked ducts

P It can be more effective than a pump

P It’s free - no equipment needed!

For healthy term babies it can be stored at:

P Room temperature for up to 6 hoursP At the back of the fridge (not the door) for 5 days at 4° or lowerP In the freezer at -18° for up to 6 monthsP For pre-term or vulnerable babies, check

with your local Neonatal Unit for guidance as storage is likely to be more cautious.

Breastmilk should be expressed into a sterile container if

the baby is under 6 months old.

1. Roll your nipple between your finger and thumb to make it stand out. Make a C-shape with your thumb and either your index or middle finger, and cup your breast. Place your finger and thumb about 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple, as shown in Fig 1. The breast tissue may feel ‘knobbly’ or slightly firmer than the duct tissue close to the nipple. You are now touching the skin over the dense milk-making tissue.

2. Holding your finger and thumb in this C-shape, press back towards your rib cage, as in Fig.2. This brings your finger and thumb back into the dense, milk-making tissue, away from the ducts near the nipple.

3. Bring your finger and thumb together, so that they press into the milk-making tissue, and milk will begin to appear in droplets, as shown in Fig.3. Use a sterile cup or bowl to collect it, and try to build up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin, as this will hurt and it will be more difficult to express milk. When the flow slows down, move your finger and thumb around the breast or express from the other side, and you can keep changing breasts until the milk slows or stops.

See ‘Expressing and giving breastmilk’, a DVD available at www.realbabymilk.org

Practice makes perfect!

If you are doing this when your milk supply is not yet established, you may need to repeat these 3 actions a few times to get the colostrum to flow and you may get 1-10mls (up to 2 teaspoons full). You can keep moving your finger and thumb around or use the other hand to take milk from all around the breast, but the technique should remain the same each time. If your milk supply is established, the milk may spray out in several different directions.

If you are not able to breastfeed your baby directly, you need to start expressing as soon as possible after the birth, preferably within 6 hours. Keep doing it at least 8 times in every 24 hours, including at least once at night, until baby is feeding properly.

Why express by hand? Storing expressed breastmilk

P

It can be more effective than a pump

It’s free - no equipment needed!

P

P It can be used to help clear blocked ducts

over the dense milk-making tissue.

2. Holdingyour ribThis brings your finger and thumb back into the dense, milk-making tissue, away from the ducts near the nipple.tissue, away from the ducts near the nipple.

Bring yourmilk-making

your fingermilk-making tissue,shown in Fig.3.Use a sterile cup or bowl to collect it, and try to build up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin, as this will hurt and it will be Use a sterile cup or bowl to collect it, and try to build up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin, as this will hurt and it will be more difficult to express milk. When the flow slows down, move your finger and thumb around the breast or express from the other side, and you can keep changing breasts until the milk slows or stops.

not to slide your fingers over the skin, as this will hurt and it will be more difficult to express milk. When the flow slows down, move your finger and thumb around the breast or express from the other side, and you can keep changing breasts until the milk slows or stops.

and giving breastmilk’,www.realbabymilk.org

breastmilk’,www.realbabymilk.org

If you are not able to breastfeed your baby directly, you need to start expressing as soon as possible after the birth, preferably within 6 hours. Keep doing it

expressing as soon as possible after the birth, preferably within 6 hours. the birth, preferably within 6 hours. Keep doing it at

every 24least

hours,at night

is feeding properly.

includingnight, until baby

is feeding properly., until baby

Hand ExpressingWhy express by hand?

Hand ExpressingHand ExpressingHand ExpressingHand Expressing

It can be used to help the baby

It can help to prevent or relieve

It can be used to help the baby Breastmilk should be expressed into a sterile container if

Storing expressed breastmilk

For healthy

Room temperature for up to 6 hours

for 5 days at 4° or lowerIn the freezer at -18° for up to 6 months

P For

At the back of the fridge (not the door) Room temperature for up to 6 hoursRoom temperature for up to 6 hoursAt the back of the fridge (not the door)

In the freezer at -18° for up to 6 monthspre-term

with your localstorage is likely to be more cautious.

your finger andthumb

and thumbthumb and either

Place your finger and thumb about 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple, as shown in Fig 1. The breast tissue may feel ‘knobbly’ or slightly firmer Place your finger and thumb about 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple, as shown in Fig 1. The breast tissue may feel ‘knobbly’ or slightly firmer than the duct tissue close to the nipple. You are now touching the skin

Place your finger and thumb about 2-3 cm from the base of the nipple, as shown in Fig 1. The breast tissue may feel ‘knobbly’ or slightly firmer than the duct tissue close to the nipple. You are now touching the skin

C-shape, presspress back towards

This brings your finger and thumb back into the dense, milk-making This brings your finger and thumb back into the dense, milk-making

into the


How can I increase my breastmilk supply?

Firstly, think about whether or not you need to increase your supply! Mums often worry about this needlessly (see page 26). There is no set amount of breastmilk that your baby needs at any stage of development. Breastmilk intake varies, and changes according to your baby’s changing needs.

If there really is an issue with the amount of milk you are making, there are some simple self-help measures you can take, while you also seek some help from a health professional or a local breastfeeding group.

• Ensure your baby is attached at the breast as well as possible

• Feed your baby at least 8 times in every 24hrs, including at least once at night

• Offer both breasts at every feed

• Make sure your breasts are as soft and empty as possible after each feed

• If you feel there is still plenty of milk in your breasts after feeds, for example in the mornings, you could express to stimulate more milk to be made. Any expressed milk could be given to your baby as well as breastfeeds, or could be stored for future use (see page 22).

• Remember you can’t increase your supply by eating or drinking more, or by eating special foods! Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand system, it needs to be effectively taken by your baby or by expressing in order to increase supply

What about "foremilk and hindmilk"?For all mums, breastmilk production changes throughout each feed. At the start of a feed, there is a large volume of milk, flowing quickly, and there are lots of carbohydrates and proteins in the milk, but relatively less fat, the so-called ‘foremilk’. This is very valuable and essential for your baby. As the feed goes on, the volume of the milk slowly decreases but the fat content increases, so it becomes thick and rich, the so-called ‘hindmilk’. This small volume of rich fatty milk is also very important, helping your baby feel full and satisfied.

Breastmilk production also varies throughout the day and night. Night-time breastfeeds make more milk, so in the morning, your breasts feel full, and when your baby feeds, he gets a large volume of milk. As the day goes on, smaller volumes of milk are made. Most babies feed much more often in the evenings, ‘cluster feeding’, getting small volumes of rich fatty milk each time and finally settling to sleep, so that the whole cycle can start again when you go to sleep too.

For all mums, breastmilk production changes throughout each feed. At the start of a feed, there is a large volume of milk, flowing quickly, and there are lots of carbohydrates and proteins in the milk, but relatively less fat, the so-called ‘foremilk’. This is very valuable and essential for your baby. milk, but relatively less fat, the so-called ‘foremilk’. This is very valuable and essential for your baby. milk, but relatively less fat, the so-called ‘foremilk’. This is very valuable and essential for your baby. As the feed goes on, the volume of the milk slowly decreases but the fat content increases, so it

can take, while you also seek some help from a health professional or a local

Ensure your baby is attached at the breast as well as possible

breastfeeding group.

can take, while you also seek some help from a health professional or a local from a health professional or a local breastfeeding group.

breast as well as possible

Feed your baby at least 8 times in every 24hrs, including at least once at night

Offer both breasts at every feed

Make sure your breasts are as soft and empty as possible after each feed

If you feel there is still plenty of milk in your breasts after feeds, for example in the mornings, If you feel there is still plenty of milk in your breasts after feeds, for example in the mornings, you could express to stimulate more milk to be made. Any expressed milk could be given to your baby as well as breastfeeds, or could be stored for future use (see page 22).you could express to stimulate more milk to be made. Any expressed milk could be given to your baby as well as breastfeeds, or could be stored for future use (see page 22).

Remember you can’t increase your supply by eating or drinking more, or by eating special foods! Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand system, it needs to be effectively taken by your

your baby as well as breastfeeds, or could be stored for future use (see page 22).

Remember you can’t increase your supply by eating or drinking more, or by eating special foods! Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand system, it needs to be effectively taken by your baby or by expressing in order to increase supplybaby or by expressing in order to increase supply

What about "foremilk and hindmilk"?What about "foremilk and hindmilk"?For all mums, breastmilk production changes throughout each feed. At the start of a feed, there is a large volume of milk, flowing quickly, and there are lots of carbohydrates and proteins in the For all mums, breastmilk production changes throughout each feed. At the start of a feed, there is a large volume of milk, flowing quickly, and there are lots of carbohydrates and proteins in the milk, but relatively less fat, the so-called ‘foremilk’. This is very valuable and essential for your baby. As the feed goes on, the volume of the milk slowly decreases but the fat content increases, so it becomes thick and rich, the so-called ‘hindmilk’. This small volume of rich fatty milk is also very As the feed goes on, the volume of the milk slowly decreases but the fat content increases, so it becomes thick and rich, the so-called ‘hindmilk’. This small volume of rich fatty milk is also very becomes thick and rich, the so-called ‘hindmilk’. This small volume of rich fatty milk is also very

Breastmilk production also varies throughout the day and night. Night-time breastfeeds make Breastmilk production also varies throughout the day and night. Night-time breastfeeds make more milk, so in the morning, your breasts feel full, and when your baby feeds, he gets a large volume of milk. As the day goes on, smaller volumes of milk are made. Most babies feed much

Breastmilk production also varies throughout the day and night. Night-time breastfeeds make more milk, so in the morning, your breasts feel full, and when your baby feeds, he gets a large volume of milk. As the day goes on, smaller volumes of milk are made. Most babies feed much more often in the evenings, ‘cluster feeding’, getting small volumes of rich fatty milk each time and

more milk, so in the morning, your breasts feel full, and when your baby feeds, he gets a large volume of milk. As the day goes on, smaller volumes of milk are made. Most babies feed much more often in the evenings, ‘cluster feeding’, getting small volumes of rich fatty milk each time and finally settling to sleep, so that the whole cycle can start again when you go to sleep too.

volume of milk. As the day goes on, smaller volumes of milk are made. Most babies feed much more often in the evenings, ‘cluster feeding’, getting small volumes of rich fatty milk each time and

How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my How can I increase my How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my breastmilk supply?How can I increase my

Firstly, think about whether or not you need to increase your supply! Mums often worry about this needlessly (see page 26). There is no set amount of breastmilk

Firstly, think about whether or not you Firstly, think about whether or not you need to increase your supply! Mums often worry about this needlessly (see page 26).

Firstly, think about whether or not you

worry about this needlessly (see page 26). There is no set amount of breastmilk that your baby needs at any stage of development. Breastmilk intake varies, and changes according to your baby’s development. Breastmilk intake varies,

There is no set amount of breastmilk that your baby needs at any stage of development. Breastmilk intake varies, and changes according to your baby’s

Feed your baby at least 8 times in every 24hrs, including at least once at nightFeed your baby at least 8 times in every 24hrs, including at least once at night

Make sure your breasts are as soft and empty as possible after each feedMake sure your breasts are as soft and empty as possible after each feed

If you feel there is still plenty of milk in your breasts after feeds, for example in the mornings, you could express to stimulate more milk to be made. Any expressed milk could be given to If you feel there is still plenty of milk in your breasts after feeds, for example in the mornings, you could express to stimulate more milk to be made. Any expressed milk could be given to your baby as well as breastfeeds, or could be stored for future use (see page 22).

Remember you can’t increase your supply by eating or drinking more, or by eating special foods! Remember you can’t increase your supply by eating or drinking more, or by eating special foods! Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand system, it needs to be effectively taken by your Breastmilk is made on a supply and demand system, it needs to be effectively taken by your

What about "foremilk and hindmilk"?


What if I want to give some formula milk to my breastfed baby?

Most babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk for about the first six months and this gives them the healthiest start. If you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding supporter and read our guidance first.

It’s not all or nothing! If you do decide to give some formula milk, don’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk.

If you do decide to give some formula milk, try not to offer a ‘top up’ after every feed. It is easier to maintain your breastmilk supply if you give small amounts of formula (30 – 60mls) after just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.

You can always change your mind! If you start giving some formula milk and then decide you want to increase the amount of breastmilk you give or even go back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a volunteer breastfeeding supporter.

Read our guidance on increasing breastmilk supply (p23) and how to tell how much breastmilk baby is taking (p18) – this will help you to be aware of how much breastmilk you are making for baby and when you can reduce the amount of formula milk you give if this is what you want to do.

You could try techniques such as compression or switching (see www.realbabymilk.org/breast-compression/ film clip) to make sure your baby takes as much breastmilk as possible at each feed.

Remember if you are giving any formula milk to your baby, you need to take care to do this as safely as possible or your baby may become ill. See page 25 for more information.

baby?

Thinking of stopping breastfeeding? Mums think about stopping breastfeeding for lots of reasons. These may include not being able to attach baby to the breast, pain and soreness and a feeling of not having enough milk.

If you are thinking of stopping breastfeeding for these or any other reasons, please read through this Guide and also ask for help from your Midwifery or Health Visiting teams or from a volunteer peer supporter. 90% of mums who stop breastfeeding in the first six weeks say that they wish they had continued and most issues with breastfeeding can be resolved with the right help and support.

If you do decide to stop breastfeeding, it’s important to ALWAYS do this gradually. Stopping suddenly will lead to painfully engorged breasts and this could make you ill.

Try dropping one feed or expressing per day and be prepared to hand express to keep your breasts soft if necessary. This will ‘tail off’ the milk supply so you both have time to adjust.

Slow reduction of your breastmilk supply means that you will also have time to change your mind! Remember, if your baby is under one year, you will need to give infant formula to replace the breast feeds that you drop.

It’s notdon’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk.

If you do decide to give some formula milk, up’ after

supply if you give small amounts of formula (30 – 60mls) after

If you do decide to give some formula milk,

It’sdon’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk. don’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk.

supply if you give small amounts of formula (30 – 60mls) after just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.

canformula milk and then decide you want to increase the amount of breastmilk you give or even go back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a volunteer breastfeeding supporter.

always

just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.

canformula milk and then decide you want to increase the amount of breastmilk you give or even go back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a

just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.just one or two breastfeeds in every twenty four hours.

change

back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a volunteer breastfeeding supporter.

Read our guidance on increasing breastmilk supply (p23) and how to tell how much breastmilk baby Read our guidance on increasing breastmilk supply (p23) and how to tell how much breastmilk baby is taking (p18) – this will help you to be aware of how much breastmilk you are making for baby and when you can reduce the amount of formula milk you give if this is what you want to do.

You could try techniques such as compression or switching (see www.realbabymilk.org/breast-You could try techniques such as compression or switching (see www.realbabymilk.org/breast-compression/ film clip) to make sure your baby takes as much breastmilk as possible at each feed.


compression/ film clip) to make sure your baby takes as much breastmilk as possible at each feed.


Thinking of stopping breastfeeding?


Thinking of stopping breastfeeding? Mums think about stopping breastfeeding for lots of reasons. These may include not being able to Mums think about stopping breastfeeding for lots of reasons. These may include not being able to Mums think about stopping breastfeeding for lots of reasons. These may include not being able to attach baby to the breast, pain and soreness and a feeling of not having enough milk.

If you are thinking of stopping breastfeeding for these or any other reasons, please read through this Guide and also ask for help from your Midwifery or Health Visiting teams or from a volunteer peer

attach baby to the breast, pain and soreness and a feeling of not having enough milk.

If you are thinking of stopping breastfeeding for these or any other reasons, please read through this Guide and also ask for help from your Midwifery or Health Visiting teams or from a volunteer peer supporter. 90% of mums who stop breastfeeding in the first six weeks say that they wish they had continued and most issues with breastfeeding can be resolved with the right help and support.supporter. 90% of mums who stop breastfeeding in the first six weeks say that they wish they had continued and most issues with breastfeeding can be resolved with the right help and support.

If you do decide to stop breastfeeding, it’s important to ALWAYS do If you do decide to stop breastfeeding, it’s important to ALWAYS do this gradually. Stopping suddenly will lead to painfully engorged breasts and this could make you ill.

Try dropping one feed or expressing per day and be prepared to hand express to keep your breasts soft if necessary. This will ‘tail off’ the milk supply so you both have time to adjust.

Try dropping one feed or expressing per day and be prepared to Try dropping one feed or expressing per day and be prepared to hand express to keep your breasts soft if necessary. This will ‘tail off’ the milk supply so you both have time to adjust.hand express to keep your breasts soft if necessary. This will ‘tail off’ the milk supply so you both have time to adjust.

Slow reduction of your breastmilk supply means that you will also have time to change your mind! Remember, if your baby is under Slow reduction of your breastmilk supply means that you will also have time to change your mind! Remember, if your baby is under one year, you will need to give infant formula to replace the breast

Slow reduction of your breastmilk supply means that you will also have time to change your mind! Remember, if your baby is under one year, you will need to give infant formula to replace the breast have time to change your mind! Remember, if your baby is under one year, you will need to give infant formula to replace the breast

What if I want to give some formula milk to my breastfed What if I want to give some formula What if I want to give some formula milk to my What if I want to give some formula What if I want to give some formula

breastfed

Most babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk for about the first six months and this gives them the healthiest start. If you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed

Most babies don’t need anything other than breastmilk for about the first six months and this gives them the healthiest start. If you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding

If you do decide to give some formula milk, don’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk.

baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding

If you do decide to give some formula milk,

you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding you’re thinking of giving some formula milk to your breastfed baby, talk to a health professional or voluntary breastfeeding

If you do decide to give some formula milk, don’t feel you have to stop breastfeeding or giving breastmilk.

offer a. It is easier to maintain your breastmilk . It is easier to maintain your breastmilk

supply if you give small amounts of formula (30 – 60mls) after

formula milk and then decide you want to increase the amount of breastmilk you give or even go back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a formula milk and then decide you want to increase the amount of breastmilk you give or even go back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a

Read our guidance on increasing breastmilk supply (p23) and how to tell how much breastmilk baby

back to exclusive breastfeeding, ask for support from your Midwifery or Health Visiting team or a

Read our guidance on increasing breastmilk supply (p23) and how to tell how much breastmilk baby is taking (p18) – this will help you to be aware of how much breastmilk you are making for baby and when you can reduce the amount of formula milk you give if this is what you want to do.is taking (p18) – this will help you to be aware of how much breastmilk you are making for baby and when you can reduce the amount of formula milk you give if this is what you want to do.

You could try techniques such as compression or switching (see www.realbabymilk.org/breast-compression/ film clip) to make sure your baby takes as much breastmilk as possible at each feed.compression/ film clip) to make sure your baby takes as much breastmilk as possible at each feed.

Remember if you are giving any formula milk to your baby, you need to take care to do this as safely

Mums think about stopping breastfeeding for lots of reasons. These may include not being able to


If your baby is fully bottle fed, it’s important to make the feeding as much like breastfeeding as possible as this will contribute positively to baby’s development.

• Feed your baby according to his cues, as often as he asks. Remember that little and often is entirely normal in the early days and weeks, rather than large feeds with long gaps between.

• Hold your baby close, let him tilt his head back so he can swallow easily, give him eye contact and talk to and smile at him while he feeds.

• Let your baby take the teat into his mouth when he is ready, don’t force it in.

• Let him take his time, stopping when he wants to, and wind him gently during and after the feed. He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.

• Feed times are very special for helping you get to know each other, so try to limit the number of people who feed your baby to just one or two people most of the time.

• Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life. All newborn formula milk is virtually the same, by law, so you can choose the least expensive or whatever you can buy most easily in your local shops rather than being swayed by advertising. There is no need for you to use ‘hungry baby’ or ‘follow on’ milk. Some babies need specialised formula for medical needs, but these will be prescribed by your GP or paediatrician.

• Make sure you are confident with your sterilising equipment. All feeding equipment needs to be washed with warm soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and sterilised before each use.

Feeding your baby with formula increases the risk of illnesses like vomiting and diarrhoea so it is especially important that you prepare feeds as safely as possible. Your midwife or health visitor should discuss safe preparation of formula and feeding techniques with you, including a practical demonstration if you would like this, and will give you written information about this.

See NHS Choices for further information about making up and feeding formula milk to babies.

Visit www.firststepsnutrition.org for lots of useful information about all aspects of healthy eating for your baby and the whole family!

What if I'm not breasfeeding?

See ‘Expressing and giving breastmilk’, a DVD available at realbabymilk.org

this, and will give you written information

See NHS Choices for further information See NHS Choices for further information about making up and feeding formula milk to babies.

Visit www.firststepsnutrition.org for lots

about making up and feeding formula milk to babies.milk to babies.

Let him take his time, stopping when he wants to, and wind him gently during and after the feed. He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.

Feed times are very special for helping you get to know each other, so try to limit the number of people who feed your baby to just one or two people most of the time.

Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life.

Feed times are very special for helping you get to know each other, so try to limit the number

Let him take his time, stopping when he wants to, and wind him gently during and after the feed. He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.Let him take his time, stopping when he wants to, and wind him gently during and after the feed. He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.

Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life. All newborn formula milk is virtually the same, by law, so you can choose the least expensive or whatever you can buy most easily in your local shops rather than being swayed by advertising. whatever you can buy most easily in your local shops rather than being swayed by advertising. There is no need for you to use ‘hungry baby’ or ‘follow on’ milk. Some babies need specialised formula for medical needs, but these will be prescribed by your GP or paediatrician.

Make sure you are confident with your sterilising equipment. Make sure you are confident with your sterilising equipment. All feeding equipment needs to be washed with warm soapy water, rinsed thoroughly and sterilised before each use.

Feeding your baby with formula increases

rinsed thoroughly and sterilised before each use.

Feeding your baby with formula increases the risk of illnesses like vomiting and

rinsed thoroughly and sterilised before each use.

Feeding your baby with formula increases the risk of illnesses like vomiting and diarrhoea so it is especially important that you prepare feeds as safely as possible. Your midwife or health visitor should Your midwife or health visitor should discuss safe preparation of formula and feeding techniques with you, including a

would like would like this, and will give you written information

What if I'm not breasfeeding?What if I'm not breasfeeding?

bottle fed,

What if I'm not breasfeeding?What if I'm not breasfeeding?What if I'm not breasfeeding?What if I'm not breasfeeding?

fed, importantas

Feed your baby according to his cues, as often as he asks. Remember that little and often is entirely normal in the early days and weeks, rather than large feeds with long gaps between.

Hold your baby close, let him tilt his head back so he can swallow easily, give him eye contact

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Feed your baby according to his cues, as often as he asks. Remember that little and often is entirely

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normal in the early days and weeks, rather than large feeds with long gaps between.

Hold your baby close, let him tilt his head back so he can swallow easily, give him eye contact and talk to and smile at him while he feeds.

Let your baby take the teat into his mouth when he is ready, don’t force it in.

Let him take his time, stopping when he wants to, and wind him gently during and after the feed. He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.He will want more at some feeds and less at others, just as you do.


Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life.


Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life. All newborn formula milk is virtually the same, by law, so you can choose the least expensive or

of people who feed your baby to just one or two people most of the time.

Formula milk suitable from birth is appropriate for baby for the whole of his first year of life. All newborn formula milk is virtually the same, by law, so you can choose the least expensive or whatever you can buy most easily in your local shops rather than being swayed by advertising. There is no need for you to use ‘hungry baby’ or ‘follow on’ milk. Some babies need specialised formula for medical needs, but these will be prescribed by your GP or paediatrician. There is no need for you to use ‘hungry baby’ or ‘follow on’ milk. Some babies need specialised formula for medical needs, but these will be prescribed by your GP or paediatrician.


Not enough milk?• First, check your positioning and attachment at

the breast with a professional or at a support group. A poorly-attached baby can sometimes limit the milk flow.

• How often are you feeding your baby? Feeding your baby as often as they ask is the very best way to ensure that your body knows how much milk to make. Your baby should be asking to feed at least 8 times in every 24 hours, including at least once at night. See also page 23.

Blocked Ducts / MastitisSymptoms of mastitis are usually redness and tenderness of the breast, flu-like feelings (fever, shivers). Again these are often caused by poor attachment which doesn’t allow the milk to flow freely and can cause blockages.

If this occurs try :• Feeding baby as often as possible, if too sore then

express. It is important to keep the milk flowing. • Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling. • Paracetamol to reduce high temperature. • Hot shower/bath/flannels to help milk flow .• Cabbage leaves to relieve pain and throbbing. If

all the above are not working within 24 hours, then antibiotics may be needed, maybe sooner if the nipple is damaged. Try to look after yourself as much as possible during recovery; relax, rest and eat well.

Anxious about milk supply?• Are baby’s wet and dirty nappies as expected for

his age? See page 18. • Can you hear baby gulping and swallowing?• Do you feel full before a feed, softer afterwards?• Is baby settling between feeds? • Is baby gaining weight?

It is common to feel anxious because you can’t actually see how much milk is being made.If your answer to all five is yes, then rest assured your baby is getting enough milk. If not, seek support.

Full Breasts - Difficult to attach•Try expressing some milk before attaching baby, to

relieve the pressure.• Try different positions.• Keep feeding on demand so breasts do not

become so full between feeds.• Is your baby sleeping too long between feeds? Try

waking baby to feed at shorter intervals.

Too much milk?• Milk supply usually tailors itself to baby’s needs

within 6-8 weeks.• Try leaning back once baby is attached so milk

comes out slower.• Try feeding from the same side at two

consecutive feeds. Fullness on the other side will help your milk supply to decrease - watch out for mastitis though.

• Expressing extra milk for the freezer may help but be careful not to overdo it as you can end up making even more milk.

Cracked / Sore NipplesCracked and sore nipples are nearly always caused by the baby being wrongly attached at the breast. Try to get to a support group or ask a health professional to look at how your baby attaches and feeds. If your nipples are chapped, try applying a little breastmilk to keep them moisturised. If your nipples are too painful to feed, try expressing for 12- 24 hours to rest them and try again with help to get the positioning and attachment right. NB: Blood might sometimes pass into the milk, this is not at all harmful to your baby and is not a reason to stop.

Physical Challenges There are very few challenges which should cause you to stop feeding. With the right help and information, most challenges are temporary hitches. This page has some tips and our website has even more - www.realbabymilk.org

your baby as often as they ask is the very best way to ensure that your body knows how much milk

least 8 times in every 24 hours, including at least once at night. See also page 23.

to make. Your baby should be asking to feed at least 8 times in every 24 hours, including at least

to ensure that your body knows how much milk to make. Your baby should be asking to feed at to ensure that your body knows how much milk to make. Your baby should be asking to feed at

Blocked Ducts / MastitisSymptoms of mastitis are usually redness and tenderness of the breast, flu-like feelings (fever, shivers). Again these are often caused by poor

Symptoms of mastitis are usually redness and

Blocked Ducts / MastitisSymptoms of mastitis are usually redness and tenderness of the breast, flu-like feelings (fever,

Blocked Ducts / MastitisBlocked Ducts / Mastitis

tenderness of the breast, flu-like feelings (fever, shivers). Again these are often caused by poor attachment which doesn’t allow the milk to flow freely and can cause blockages. freely and can cause blockages.

• Feeding baby as often as possible, if too sore then express. It is important to keep the milk flowing.

• Feeding baby as often as possible, if too sore then express. It is important to keep the milk flowing.

• Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling. • Paracetamol to reduce high temperature. • Hot shower/bath/flannels to help milk flow .• Paracetamol to reduce high temperature. • Hot shower/bath/flannels to help milk flow .• Cabbage leaves to relieve pain and throbbing. If

all the above are not working within 24 hours,

• Hot shower/bath/flannels to help milk flow .• Cabbage leaves to relieve pain and throbbing. If

all the above are not working within 24 hours, then antibiotics may be needed, maybe sooner if the nipple is damaged. Try to look after yourself as the nipple is damaged. Try to look after yourself as much as possible during recovery; relax, rest and

Try to get to a support group or ask a health professional to look at how your baby attaches and feeds. If your nipples are chapped, try applying a little breastmilk attaches and feeds. If your nipples are chapped, try applying a little breastmilk to keep them moisturised. If your nipples are too painful to feed, try expressing for 12- 24 hours to restnipples are too painful to feed, try expressing for 12- 24 hours to rest them and try again with help to get the positioning and get the positioning and attachment right. NB: Blood might sometimes pass into the milk, this is not at all harmful to your

NB: Blood might

Physical Challenges There are very few challenges which should cause you to stop feeding. With the


Physical Challenges right help and information, most challenges are temporary hitches. This page has some tips and our website has even more -

There are very few challenges which should cause you to stop feeding. With the right help and information, most challenges are temporary hitches. This page has



Physical Challenges right help and information, most challenges are temporary hitches. This page has some tips and our website has even more -



Physical Challenges Physical Challenges There are very few challenges which should cause you to stop feeding. With the


Physical Challenges

• First, check your positioning and attachment at the breast with a professional or at a support group. A poorly-attached baby can sometimes

• First, check your positioning and attachment at

group. A poorly-attached baby can sometimes

• How often are you feeding your baby? Feeding your baby as often as they ask is the very best way to ensure that your body knows how much milk

• Try different positions.• Keep feeding on demand so breasts do not

• Is your baby sleeping too long between feeds? Try waking baby to feed at shorter intervals.

• Keep feeding on demand so breasts do not become so full between feeds.• How often are you feeding your baby? Feeding

your baby as often as they ask is the very best way

• Try different positions.• Keep feeding on demand so breasts do not • Try different positions.• Keep feeding on demand so breasts do not

waking baby to feed at shorter intervals.

Too much milk?Too much milk?• Milk supply usually tailors itself to baby’s needs

within 6-8 weeks.• Try leaning back once baby is attached so milk

comes out slower.• Try feeding from the same side at two • Try feeding from the same side at two

consecutive feeds. Fullness on the other side will help your milk supply to decrease - watch

• Try feeding from the same side at two consecutive feeds. Fullness on the other side will help your milk supply to decrease - watch out for mastitis though.

• Expressing extra milk for the freezer may help • Expressing extra milk for the freezer may help but be careful not to overdo it as you can end up but be careful not to overdo it as you can end up

Cracked / Sore NipplesCracked and sore nipples are nearly always caused by the baby being wrongly attached at the breast.

Full Breasts - Difficult to attach•Try expressing some milk before attaching baby, to •Try expressing some milk before attaching baby, to •Try expressing some milk before attaching baby, to


Myths & Misconceptions

OTen minutes on each side

This is now known to be wrong advice. The latest advice is to feed as often and for as long as baby wants (“baby-led or demand feeding”) and to allow baby to finish feeding on one side and then offer the other.

OYou don't have enough milk!

Often growth spurts are seen as signs of insufficient milk supply. At key stages a suddenly hungry baby is actually letting mum know it’s time to make more milk. If mum feeds responsively through this and avoids artificially “topping up” then her supply will respond.

O Big babies need top-ups

If a baby is allowed to feed as frequently and for as long as they want then the mother will make as much milk as is needed. Artificial “top-up” feeds can and will interfere with this natural process.

O Mastitis means stop feeding

It used to be thought that having mastitis meant you must stop feeding from the affected breast. It has since been found that a mastitis- affected breast should be fed from as often as possible to allow the milk to flow and for the best chance of shifting the inflammation. In fact, if a breast with mastitis isn’t fed from then the mastitis will more than likely get

worse. See page 26 for more about mastitis.

O Breastfeeding when pregnant is dangerous

Breastfeeding during pregnancy is safe for the majority of mothers. It can help maintain a close relationship with the older child and between siblings when the baby is born. See ‘Breastfeeding in special circumstances’, page 28.

OYou can't breastfeed more than one baby

It is perfectly possible to feed more than one baby at a time! This could be twins or other multiples, or a baby and an older child. There are lots of health and practical reasons why this may be a good idea. See ‘Breastfeeding in special circumstances ‘ page 28.

OBreastfeeding an older baby or child is pointless and wrong

The health effects of breastfeeding don’t disappear when a baby gets older, they continue, for mum and baby for as long as the breastfeeding continues. It is not possible to force a baby or child to breastfeed and continuing to breastfeed for as long as mum and baby wish is a perfectly natural and normal aspect of parenting. See ‘Breastfeeding in special circumstances,’ page 28.

Don't let them distract you! Use our checklist!

A lot of the things you will hear people say or suggest about breastfeeding can be out-dated or just plain wrong! We have corrected some of the most common myths here on this page.

facebook.com/realbabymilk 27

fed from then the mastitis will more than likely get

to finish feeding on one side and then offer the other.

You don't have enough milk!

to finish feeding on one side to finish feeding on one side and then offer the other.

enough milk!

Often growth spurts are seen as signs of insufficient seen as signs of insufficient milk supply. At key stages a suddenly hungry baby is actually letting mum know it’s time to make more milk. actually letting mum know it’s time to make more milk. If mum feeds responsively through this and avoids artificially “topping up” then

If mum feeds responsively through this and avoids artificially “topping up” then her supply will respond.artificially “topping up” then her supply will respond.

will more than likely get

parenting. in special circumstances,’ page 28.page 28.

Myths & MisconceptionsDon't let them distract you! Use our checklist!

Myths & MisconceptionsMyths & MisconceptionsMyths & MisconceptionsMyths & MisconceptionsDon't let them distract you! Use our checklist!

you peoplecorrected of

hear

Don't let them distract you! Use our checklist!

youcorrected

Big babies need

If a baby is allowed to feed as frequently and for as long as they want then the mother

top-upsBig babies need Big babies need top-ups

frequently and for as long as they want then the mother will make as much milk as is needed. Artificial “top-up” is needed. Artificial “top-up” feeds can and will interfere with this natural process.with this natural process.

Mastitis means stop feeding

It used to be thought that It used to be thought that having mastitis meant you having mastitis meant you must stop feeding from the affected breast. It has since been found that a mastitis-

O

more than one baby at a time! This could be twins or other multiples, or a baby and an older child. There are lots of health and practical reasons

multiples, or a baby and an older child. There are lots of health and practical reasons why this may be a good idea. See ‘Breastfeeding in special circumstances ‘ page 28.See ‘Breastfeeding in special circumstances ‘ page 28.

Breastfeeding an older baby or child is Breastfeeding an older baby or child is pointless and wrong

The health effects of breastfeeding don’t disappear when a baby gets disappear when a baby gets older, they continue, for mum and baby for as long as the breastfeeding continues.


Special Circumstances

Breastfeeding after a caesarean Skin to skin in theatre is a great way to greet your baby and calm you both after the stress of the Caesarean birth. The baby can be dried and laid across your chest and covered, and may feed in theatre or in the recovery room.

Use positions that avoid your scar. Laid-back breastfeeding with baby lying across your chest above your tummy can be comfortable, and feeding in the underarm position when you sit out in an armchair can also work well.

Don’t be afraid to ask for and take the pain relief you need, it is very difficult to breastfeed effectively if you are tense and in pain.

Breastfeeding a pre-term or ill baby Breastfeeding is extra-important if your baby is born pre-term or is ill. Such a baby is particularly vulnerable to infections and needs the milk which is specifically designed for a human baby, whatever stage of development they are at. If your baby is not able to breastfeed directly, you need to express your milk at least 8 times in every 24 hr period including once at night, until your baby is mature enough or well enough to be taking effective breastfeeds. You may need to give supplements or medicines as well as breastmilk, but in all but a few very unusual illnesses, your milk is the best thing for your baby to help him grow or recover.

Breastfeeding twins or other multiples Breastfeeding twins or other multiples (triplets or more) is challenging but also very important

in keeping the babies healthy and providing opportunities to bond with each baby. It is extra important if the babies are premature, very small or need special care for any reason. As with any baby, it is important to get a breastmilk supply established, preferably by feeding the babies at the breast soon after birth and at least 8 times each in every 24 hours or expressing milk at least this often if any baby is unable to feed directly at the breast. It is very useful to have help in positioning the babies in the early days so as to be able to feed two simultaneously and save time on feeding.

Breastfeeding while pregnant If you are breastfeeding when you become pregnant with another baby, it is absolutely fine to continue to breastfeed the older child throughout your pregnancy for all but a very few women.

It may help you to keep your toddler calm and contented when you feel tired or unwell, and your toddler will continue to benefit from your milk and from the comfort and closeness he gets from breastfeeding. Many toddlers wean themselves off breastfeeding while mum is pregnant, because the milk supply does decrease, but some toddlers and some mums like to continue throughout the pregnancy, right up to the birth of the new baby. When breastfeeding of an older child continues following the birth of a new baby, it is important to ensure that the new baby is fed first and is fed according to their demands.

Breastfeeding older babies or children Mothers who breastfeed older children may choose to do this for a variety of reasons. Continued breastfeeding may bring health benefits for babies. Breastmilk continues to contain antibodies from the mother’s mature immune system and this may help protect older babies and children from common infections such as colds and stomach upsets.

Breastmilk also continues to provide a valuable food source for older babies – milk is an important part of the diet for young children and the milk of their own mother is specific to human children’s needs.

Read more on www.realbabymilk.org

Breastfeeding after a caesarean

baby and calm you both after the stress of the Caesarean birth. The baby can be dried and laid across your chest and covered, and may feed in

Skin to skin in theatre is a great way to greet your baby and calm you both after the stress of the

Breastfeeding after a caesarean Breastfeeding after a caesarean Skin to skin in theatre is a great way to greet your

across your chest and covered, and may feed in theatre or in the recovery room.

Use positions that avoid your scar. Laid-back breastfeeding with baby lying across your chest above your tummy can be comfortable, and feeding in the underarm position when you sit out in an armchair can also work well.

Use positions that avoid your scar. Laid-back breastfeeding with baby lying across your chest

across your chest and covered, and may feed in theatre or in the recovery room.

Use positions that avoid your scar. Laid-back breastfeeding with baby lying across your chest above your tummy can be comfortable, and

theatre or in the recovery room.theatre or in the recovery room.

Use positions that avoid your scar. Laid-back

above your tummy can be comfortable, and feeding in the underarm position when you sit out in an armchair can also work well.

Don’t be afraid to ask for and take the pain Don’t be afraid to ask for and take the pain relief you need, it is very difficult to breastfeed effectively if you are tense and in pain.

Breastfeeding a pre-term or Breastfeeding a pre-term or

Breastfeeding is extra-important if your baby is Breastfeeding is extra-important if your baby is born pre-term or is ill. Such a baby is particularly vulnerable to infections and needs the milk

Breastfeeding is extra-important if your baby is born pre-term or is ill. Such a baby is particularly vulnerable to infections and needs the milk which is specifically designed for a human baby, whatever stage of development they are at. If your baby is not able to breastfeed directly, you your baby is not able to breastfeed directly, you need to express your milk at least 8 times in every 24 hr period including once at night, until your baby is mature enough or well enough to be taking effective breastfeeds. You may need to give

contain antibodies from the mother’s mature immune system and this may help protect older babies and children from common infections such as colds and stomach upsets.

Breastmilk also continues to provide a valuable food source for older babies – milk is an important

such as colds and stomach upsets.

Breastmilk also continues to provide a valuable food source for older babies – milk is an important part of the diet for young children and the milk of their own mother is specific to human part of the diet for young children and the milk of their own mother is specific to human children’s needs.

Read more on www.realbabymilk.orgwww.realbabymilk.org


the babies in the early days so as to be able to feed two simultaneously and save time on feeding.

Breastfeeding while pregnant If you are breastfeeding when you become pregnant with another baby, it is absolutely fine to


the babies in the early days so as to be able to feed two simultaneously and save time on feeding.

If you are breastfeeding when you become pregnant with another baby, it is absolutely fine to continue to breastfeed the older child throughout your pregnancy for all but a very few women.your pregnancy for all but a very few women.

It may help you to keep your toddler calm and contented when you feel tired or unwell, and your toddler will continue to benefit from your milk contented when you feel tired or unwell, and your toddler will continue to benefit from your milk and from the comfort and closeness he gets from breastfeeding. Many toddlers wean themselves off breastfeeding while mum is pregnant, because the milk supply does decrease, but some toddlers

breastfeeding. Many toddlers wean themselves off breastfeeding while mum is pregnant, because the milk supply does decrease, but some toddlers and some mums like to continue throughout the

breastfeeding. Many toddlers wean themselves off breastfeeding while mum is pregnant, because the milk supply does decrease, but some toddlers and some mums like to continue throughout the pregnancy, right up to the birth of the new baby. When breastfeeding of an older child continues following the birth of a new baby, it is important When breastfeeding of an older child continues following the birth of a new baby, it is important to ensure that the new baby is fed first and is fed according to their demands.

Breastfeeding older

to ensure that the new baby is fed first and is fed

choose to do this for a variety of reasons.

contain antibodies from the mother’s mature

breast soon after birth and at least 8 times each in every 24 hours or expressing milk at least this often if any baby is unable to feed directly at the breast. It is very useful to have help in positioning the babies in the early days so as to be able to feed two simultaneously and save time on feeding.

Breastfeeding while pregnant

breast. It is very useful to have help in positioning

in every 24 hours or expressing milk at least this often if any baby is unable to feed directly at the breast. It is very useful to have help in positioning the babies in the early days so as to be able to feed two simultaneously and save time on feeding.

in every 24 hours or expressing milk at least this often if any baby is unable to feed directly at the

pregnant with another baby, it is absolutely fine to

Baby & the familyThere are lots of ways for family members to help care for and become close to your baby

Opportunities to talk and listen to your baby When you change your baby’s nappy or bath your baby, this is a chance to get down to baby level and have some eye contact together. Babies as young as a few hours old love to see a friendly smiling face. They copy your facial expressions such as sticking your tongue out and talking to your baby stimulates them and encourages speech and brain development. Most babies love bath time and it is a great chance to have fun and build confidence in handling your baby. Changing your baby’s nappy also means you can see just how much breastmilk your baby must be getting!

Relaxing with siblingsJust letting your older children relax with the new baby helps siblings bond and enjoy each others’ company.

Carrying your baby Babies love being carried in a sling, feeling your heart beat and breathing movements. This can often rock an unsettled baby off to sleep, and you can use your hands-free time to make a cup of tea, cook, hang out the washing, walk the dog – the possibilities are endless!

To keep your baby safe while being carried, remember TICKS:

T - Tight into parent’s body

I - In sight at all timesC - Close enough to kissK - Keep baby’s chin

off baby’s chestS - Spine supported

in a line

Skin to SkinThis is a very calming, soothing way to be close to your baby and a great way to build your special relationship. Also an excellent way to calm an unsettled baby.


Opportunities toWhen you change your baby’s nappy or bath your baby,

talkWhen you change your baby’s nappy or bath your baby, this is a chance to get down to baby level and have some

andWhen you change your baby’s nappy or bath your baby, this is a chance to get down to baby level and have some eye contact together. Babies as young as a few hours old love to see a friendly smiling face. They copy your facial expressions such as sticking your tongue out and talking to love to see a friendly smiling face. They copy your facial expressions such as sticking your tongue out and talking to your baby stimulates them and encourages speech and brain development. Most babies love bath time and it is a great chance to have fun and build confidence in handling your

your baby stimulates them and encourages speech and brain development. Most babies love bath time and it is a great chance to have fun and build confidence in handling your baby. Changing your baby’s nappy also means you can see just how much breastmilk your baby must be getting!baby. Changing your baby’s nappy also means you can see just how much breastmilk your baby must be getting!

realbabymilk.org facebook.com/realbabymilk facebook.com/realbabymilk facebook.com/realbabymilk

care for and become close to your babycare for and become close to your babycare for and become close to your babycare for and become close to your baby

Babies lovecarried in a sling, feeling

breathing movements. This can often rock an unsettled baby off to sleep, and you can use

your heart beat and breathing movements.

carried in a sling, feeling your heart beat and carried in a sling, feeling your heart beat and

unsettled baby off to sleep, and you can use your hands-free time to make a cup of tea, cook, hang out the washing, hang out the washing, walk the dog – the possibilities are endless!

make a cup of tea, cook, hang out the washing,

sleep, and you can use your hands-free time to make a cup of tea, cook, hang out the washing, walk the dog – the

sleep, and you can use your hands-free time to sleep, and you can use your hands-free time to make a cup of tea, cook,

possibilities are endless!

To keep your baby safe while being carried,

Relaxing with siblingsJust letting your older children relax with the new baby helps siblings bond and enjoy each others’ company.siblings bond and enjoy each siblings bond and enjoy each


Introducing solid foods

Introducing your baby to foods other than breastmilk (or formula) is an exciting new stage of development.

Lots of parents look forward to it, but some may worry about getting it right and continuing to help their baby to be as happy and healthy as possible. Read our top tips for the latest advice to follow so you can relax and enjoy it!

The best time to start solid foods is around six months. Most babies don’t need any food other than breast milk (or formula) until then and waiting until about six months gives baby’s digestive system time to develop so it can cope with other foods.

Signs that baby is ready for solid foods• Baby can sit with minimal support and hold

her head steady.• Baby can co-ordinate eyes, hands and mouth,

reaching out to pick up food, and bringing it to her mouth.

• Baby can take food into her mouth, move it around and chew and swallow it safely. Before six months babies push food back out of their mouths because they cannot swallow it safely.

Signs that may be mistaken for readiness for solid foods • Babies love to watch you and to try and copy.

Watching you eat is an important stage of development, but before six months it is not a sign of readiness for food.

• Night waking or frequent feeding may lead you to think that baby needs more than milk. Before six months, these are signs that your baby needs milk more frequently and giving solid foods instead won’t help your baby to sleep or to go longer between feeds.

Safety -• Always supervise baby when taking solid foods. • Avoid obvious choking hazards such

as cherry tomatoes or whole grapes. • Cool hot foods and test them yourself before

offering to baby. • Don’t force food into baby’s mouth,

this increases the risk of choking and is frightening for baby.

First foods Try mashed carrot, parsnip or sweet potato. When you’ve tried a few things, you could make some combinations or add some cooked and mashed meat, chicken or fish.

Some parents prefer to let the baby feed themselves right from the start (sometimes called baby led weaning). If you want to try this, offer foods that baby can pick up and eat, such as steamed broccoli florets or carrot sticks or pieces of apple or melon. Again, when you’ve tried a few things, offer them in combination or add some strips of cooked chicken or meat.

Jars and packets of processed baby foods can be handy, but the best food for your baby is food that you prepare (and eat!) yourself. Eating together and showing your baby that you enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods helps baby to stay healthy and happy as part of your family.

You can go to www.nhs.uk and search for ‘solid foods’

Remember you may be eligible for free vitamins and help with the cost of food until your baby’s 4th birthday. Ask your health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.

The Ready, Steady Eat! DVD covers all of the issues on this page and has been made by mums, for mums. It is available online at the Real Baby Milk shop: www.realbabymilk.org

The best time to start solid foods is around six months. Most babies don’t need any food

and waiting until about six months gives baby’s digestive system time to develop so it can cope with other foods.

other than breast milk (or formula) until then six months. Most babies don’t need any food six months. Most babies don’t need any food other than breast milk (or formula) until then

with other foods.


her head steady.Baby can co-ordinate eyes, hands and mouth, reaching out to pick up food, and bringing it


with other foods.


her head steady.

Signs that baby is ready for solid foodsSigns that baby is ready for solid foods

Baby can co-ordinate eyes, hands and mouth, reaching out to pick up food, and bringing it to her mouth.Baby can take food into her mouth, move it Baby can take food into her mouth, move it around and chew and swallow it safely. Before six months babies push food back out of their mouths because they cannot swallow it safely.six months babies push food back out of their mouths because they cannot swallow it safely.

Signs that may be mistaken for readiness for Signs that may be mistaken for readiness for

Babies love to watch you and to try and copy. Watching you eat is an important stage of Babies love to watch you and to try and copy. Watching you eat is an important stage of development, but before six months it is not a

Night waking or frequent feeding may lead you to think that baby needs more than milk. Before six months, these are signs that your baby needs


Remember you may be eligible for free vitamins and help with the cost of food until your baby’s 4th birthday. Ask your health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.4th birthday. Ask your health visitor about the Healthy Start scheme.

Ready, Steady Eat!this page

mums. It isshop:

DVDand has

availablewww.realbabymilk.orgwww.realbabymilk.org

available onlinewww.realbabymilk.orgwww.realbabymilk.org

Introducing solid foods

Introducing your baby to foods other than

Introducing solid foodsIntroducing solid foodsIntroducing solid foods

Introducing your baby to foods other than breastmilk (or formula) is an exciting new

Lots of parents look forward to it, but some may worry about getting it right and continuing to help their baby to be as happy and healthy as

Introducing your baby to foods other than breastmilk (or formula) is an exciting new

Lots of parents look forward to it, but some may

Introducing your baby to foods other than breastmilk (or formula) is an exciting new breastmilk (or formula) is an exciting new

worry about getting it right and continuing to help their baby to be as happy and healthy as possible. Read our top tips for the latest advice to

six months. Most babies don’t need any food

help their baby to be as happy and healthy as possible. Read our top tips for the latest advice to

First foods Try mashed carrot, parsnip or sweet potato. When you’ve tried a few things, you could make some combinations or add some cooked and mashed meat, chicken or fish.some combinations or add some cooked and mashed meat, chicken or fish.

Some parents prefer to let the baby feed themselves right from the start (sometimes Some parents prefer to let the baby feed themselves right from the start (sometimes called baby led weaning). If you want to try this, offer foods that baby can pick up and eat, such as

Some parents prefer to let the baby feed themselves right from the start (sometimes called baby led weaning). If you want to try this, offer foods that baby can pick up and eat, such as steamed broccoli florets or carrot sticks or pieces of apple or melon. Again, when you’ve tried a few of apple or melon. Again, when you’ve tried a few things, offer them in combination or add some strips of cooked chicken or meat.

Jars and packets of processed baby foods can be

things, offer them in combination or add some

Jars and packets of processed baby foods can be handy, but the best food for your baby is food that you prepare (and eat!) yourself. Eating together and showing your baby that you enjoy a wide

handy, but the best food for your baby is food that you prepare (and eat!) yourself. Eating together and showing your baby that you enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods helps baby to stay healthy



Returning to work or study

Going back to work or study doesn't mean you have to stop giving your baby breastmilk. Follow our guide to help you and your baby continue to benefit from breastfeeding.

• Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back to work or study. The law says that they have to support you to stay healthy and to keep your baby healthy. Being positive about continuing to breastfeed will help your employer to have happy, healthy, productive workers, so it’s in their interest too!

• You can express milk for your baby to drink while you are away from them. This doesn’t need to take more than twenty minutes at a time and you just need somewhere comfortable and private to express – not the loo! You could use any private space in your workplace or even express in your car with blinds on the windows.

• Or your baby may be cared for near to your workplace, enabling you to go and feed them during breaks or for them to be brought to you for breastfeeds.

• Expressed milk can be stored in a cool bag with ice packs (or a fridge if available) and then taken home to be stored in your fridge or freezer or in your child care setting. See page 22 for storage details.

• Practice giving baby your expressed milk before you have to leave them. You don’t have to use a bottle if baby seems unwilling! You could try using a free flow cup with a lid and soft spout, a cup without a lid, a spoon or try mixing your milk with solid foods if baby is over six months.

If you decide not to express while you are away from your baby, you may need (according to your baby’s age) to leave some formula milk to feed baby with. This doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding altogether. Your milk supply will

adjust, allowing you to breastfeed baby before and after work/study and on days off. This can be a lovely way of keeping a special relationship with your baby.

Whenever you are reducing the number of breastfeeds/ expressing in a day, remember to guard against your breasts becoming painfully engorged. Make sure that you know how to hand express (see page 22) so that you can remove a little milk to keep your breasts soft and comfortable.

For further information see www.maternityaction.org.uk or www.acas.org.uk/maternity

“ Fitting in expressing at work was much easier than I thought it would be. It doesn't take long and

it's really worthwhile” Sasha, mum of Zac

was much easier than I thought it was much easier than I thought it was much easier than I thought it would be. It doesn't take long and

You can express milk for your baby to drink while you are away from them. This doesn’t need to

you just need somewhere comfortable and private to express – not the loo! You could use any private space in your workplace or even

You can express milk for your baby to drink while you are away from them. This doesn’t need to You can express milk for your baby to drink while you are away from them. This doesn’t need to take more than twenty minutes at a time and

private to express – not the loo! You could use any private space in your workplace or even express in your car with blinds on the windows.

Or your baby may be cared for near to your workplace, enabling you to go and feed them during breaks or for them to be brought to you for breastfeeds.during breaks or for them to be brought to you for breastfeeds.

Expressed milk can be stored in a cool bag with ice packs (or a fridge if available) and then taken Expressed milk can be stored in a cool bag with ice packs (or a fridge if available) and then taken home to be stored in your fridge or freezer or in your child care setting. See page 22 for

ice packs (or a fridge if available) and then taken home to be stored in your fridge or freezer or in your child care setting. See page 22 for

Practice giving baby your expressed milk before Practice giving baby your expressed milk before you have to leave them. You don’t have to use a bottle if baby seems unwilling! You could try using a free flow cup with a lid and soft spout, a

you have to leave them. You don’t have to use a bottle if baby seems unwilling! You could try using a free flow cup with a lid and soft spout, a cup without a lid, a spoon or try mixing your milk with solid foods if baby is over six months.cup without a lid, a spoon or try mixing your milk

Fitting in expressing at work was much easier than I thought it would be. It doesn't take long and

Returning to work or studyReturning to work or studyReturning to work or studyReturning to work or studyReturning to work or study

Going back to work or study doesn't mean you have to stop giving your baby breastmilk. Follow our guide to help you and your baby continue to benefit from

Going back to work or study doesn't mean you have to stop giving your baby Going back to work or study doesn't mean you have to stop giving your baby breastmilk. Follow our guide to help you and your baby continue to benefit from

Going back to work or study doesn't Going back to work or study doesn't

and your baby continue to benefit from

Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back to work or study. The law says that they have to support you to stay healthy and to keep your baby healthy. Being positive about continuing to breastfeed will help your employer to have

Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back to work or study. The law says that they have Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back to work or study. The law says that they have to support you to stay healthy and to keep your

Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back Talk to your employer or tutor before you go back

baby healthy. Being positive about continuing to breastfeed will help your employer to have happy, healthy, productive workers, so it’s in their

You can express milk for your baby to drink while you are away from them. This doesn’t need to

and comfortable.

For further information see www.maternityaction.org.uk or www.acas.org.uk/maternityorg.uk or www.acas.org.uk/maternity


Peer Support Training Some mums find, after a little while of breastfeeding, that they would like to become Peer Supporters to help support other mums. Real Baby Milk runs an 8 week, accredited training for mums who have breastfed their baby for at least 3 months. Successful completion of this course enables a mum to become an accredited peer support volunteer and a member of the Real Baby Milk Peer Support Network.

The course is run in various locations across Cornwall. Each course is led by an experienced trainer and is easily accessible. For more information, please contact Real Baby Milk.

Hospital Peer Supporters Some community peer supporters have gone on to do extra training to enable them to support you in the hospital environment in the very early hours and days after the birth of your baby. They can help you with understanding your baby’s feeding cues and building your relationship together, getting the hang of positioning and attachment, learning the useful skill of hand expressing, and they will encourage you to go to your local breastfeeding group for ongoing support.

Look out for them in their pink tabards!

The DirectorySupport Groups Breastfeeding support groups welcome all expectant mums and any mum who is doing any breastfeeding or giving her baby any breastmilk at all. All the support groups are friendly and welcoming and many are run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and local mums.

Peer support is available from mums who have had experience of breastfeeding and who have had training to provide mother to mother support for breastfeeding.

All groups and clinics are very welcoming to new mums, you don’t have to have a problem to attend. Groups can be great for moral support, company from like-minded mums and to borrow resources and get information. Older children are also welcome, with toys and books often being available to keep them entertained.

All details for the groups are correct, at the time of going to press, however we would advise that you ring the group / clinic to double check before you make your first visit.

“I've met some good friends and it's been great as we have all encouraged

each other to keep breastfeeding!” Rebecca, mum of Lucy

“ The Peer Supporters are really supportive

and helpful. It is a great way to discuss issues with other mums too”

Judy, mum of William

to have a problem to attend. Groups can be great for moral support, company from like-minded mums and to borrow resources and get information. Older children are also welcome, with toys and books

support for breastfeeding.

All groups and clinics are very welcoming to new mums, you don’t have

information. Older children are also welcome, with toys and books often being available to keep them entertained.

however we would advise that you ring the group / clinic to double check before you make your first visit.

I've met

All details for the groups are correct, at the time of going to press, however we would advise that you ring the group / clinic to double check

often being available to keep them entertained.

All details for the groups are correct, at the time of going to press, however we would advise that you ring the group / clinic to double check before you make your first visit.

often being available to keep them entertained.often being available to keep them entertained.

All details for the groups are correct, at the time of going to press,

I've met some good friends and it's been great as we have all encouraged been great as we have all encouraged

each other to keep breastfeeding!

Peer Support Training Some mums find, after a little while of breastfeeding, that they would

Rebecca, mum of Lucy

Peer Support Training Some mums find, after a little while of breastfeeding, that they would like to become Peer Supporters to help support other mums. Real Baby Milk runs an 8 week, accredited training for mums who have breastfed

Peer Support Training Some mums find, after a little while of breastfeeding, that they would like to become Peer Supporters to help support other mums. Real Baby Milk runs an 8 week, accredited training for mums who have breastfed their baby for at least 3 months. Successful completion of this course enables a mum to become an accredited peer support volunteer and a their baby for at least 3 months. Successful completion of this course enables a mum to become an accredited peer support volunteer and a member of the Real Baby Milk Peer Support Network.

The course is run in various locations across Cornwall. Each course is led by an experienced trainer and is easily accessible.The course is run in various locations across Cornwall. Each course is led by an experienced trainer and is easily accessible.

contact Real Baby Milk.

Hospital Peer Supporters Some community peer supporters have gone on to do extra training to enable them to support you in the hospital environment in the very early hours and days after the birth of your baby. They can help

relationship together, getting the hang of positioning and attachment,

to enable them to support you in the hospital environment in the

The DirectorySupport Groups

The DirectoryThe DirectoryThe DirectoryThe DirectorySupport Groups Breastfeeding support groups welcome all expectant mums and any mum who is doing any breastfeeding or giving her baby any breastmilk at all. All the support groups are friendly and welcoming and many are run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and

Breastfeeding support groups welcome all expectant mums and any

Support Groups Breastfeeding support groups welcome all expectant mums and any mum who is doing any breastfeeding or giving her baby any breastmilk at all. All the support groups are friendly and welcoming and many are run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and

Peer support is available from mums who have had experience of breastfeeding and who have had training to provide mother to mother

All groups and clinics are very welcoming to new mums, you don’t have

Peer support is available from mums who have had experience of

run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and

Peer support is available from mums who have had experience of breastfeeding and who have had training to provide mother to mother

run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and run in conjunction with local health professionals, family services and

All groups and clinics are very welcoming to new mums, you don’t have to have a problem to attend. Groups can be great for moral support, to have a problem to attend. Groups can be great for moral support, company from like-minded mums and to borrow resources and get information. Older children are also welcome, with toys and books

however we would advise that you ring the group / clinic to double check

The Peer Supporters The Peer Supporters are really supportive

and helpful. It is a great are really supportive

and helpful. It is a great way to discuss issues way to discuss issues with other mums too”

Judy, mum of William


West CornwallPenzance Breast Friends Shekinah Christian Church, Taraveor Road, Penzance, TR18 2AA Friday 10.00am - 12.00noon

Breast Friends Hayle and St Ives Hayle Children’s CentreBodriggey Street, Hayle TR27 4NDTuesday 11:30 - 1:30pm

Hayle Health Visitor Drop-In with Breastfeeding Peer Support: Hayle Children’s Centre, Bodriggey Street, TR27 4ND Thursdays 2-4pm,

Helston Feeding FriendsHelston Children’s Centre, Bulwark Road, Helston, TR13 8JF Monday 10.00 am - 12.00noon

Falmouth Bump to Breast Trevaylor Health Centre, Trevaylor Road, Falmouth, TR11 2LH Thursday 10.30am - 12.30pm

Penryn Bump to BreastThe Zed Shed, Jubilee Wharf, Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8FGMonday 10.00am – 11.30am

Camborne BreastfriendsCamborne Children’s Centre, Rosemellin, Cliff Road, Camborne, TR14 8QH Wednesday 10.00am - 12.00noon

Redruth Bosom BuddiesRedruth Children’s Centre, Drump Road, Redruth, TR15 1NA Thursday 10.30am - 12.30pm

Mid CornwallMama’s Milk St Austell Woodland Road Children’s CentreSt Austell, PL25 4RAWednesday 9.30am - 11.30am

Mama’s Milk St. Blazey Fourways Youth Centre, Station Rd, St Blazey, Par PL24 2ND Monday 1.30 - 3.30pm

Penrice feeding support Run by maternity support workers, phone 01726 873079 to make an appointment. Only for mums with babies up to 2 weeks oldFriday 11am - 2pm

Perranporth Breastfriends St Piran’s Children’s Centre, Liskey Hill, Perranporth, TR6 0EU Thursday 10.00am -11.30am

Newquay Breastfriends Newquay Children’s Centre Trenance School, Newquay TR7 2LU Tuesday 11.00am - 1.00pm

Truro Breastfriends Truro Learning Academy, Albany Road, Truro, TR1 3PQWednesday 9.15am - 11am

North & East CornwallBreast Friends Bude Bude Children’s Centre, Broad Close Hill, Bude, EX23 8EA Thursday 10.30am - 12.30pm

Camelford Camelford Children’s CentreCamelford CP School, Sportsman Road, PL32 9UEWednesday 11.30am – 12.30pm

Bodmin Breastfeeding GroupChestnuts Centre. 83 Fore Street, Bodmin PL31 2JBTuesday 9.30am - 12.00noon

Upfront Launceston Launceston Integrated Children’s Centre, Coronation Park, Launceston, PL15 9DQ Tuesday 1.00pm-2.30pm

Upfront Callington Callington Children’s CentreSaltash Road, Callington, PL17 7EF Friday 10:15am - 12:15pm

Upfront Liskeard Liskeard Children’s Centre, Varley Lane, Liskeard, PL14 3XA Thursday 10.00am - 12.00noon

Upfront Saltash Saltash Children’s Centre, Saltash, PL12 6DX Thursday 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Bumps & Babies TorpointTorpoint Children’s Centre, Trevol Road, Torpoint, PL11 2NH Monday 1.30pm - 3pm not bank holidays

Rame Babies MillbrookBalcony Room, Millbrook Village Hall, The Parade, PL10 1AX Thursdays during term time 10.30am - 12.30pm

Fourways Youth Centre, Fourways Youth Centre, Station Rd,

Thursday

FalmouthTrevaylor Health Centre, Trevaylor Road, Falmouth, TR11 2LH

PenrynThe Zed Shed, Jubilee Wharf, Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8FGCommercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8FGMonday 10.00am – 11.30am

Camborne BreastfriendsCamborne Children’s Centre, Rosemellin, Cliff Road, Camborne, TR14 8QH Camborne Children’s Centre, Rosemellin, Cliff Road, Camborne, TR14 8QH Wednesday 10.00am - 12.00noon

Bosom

10.00am - 12.00noon

BuddiesRedruth Children’s Centre, Drump Road, Redruth, TR15 1NA Redruth Children’s Centre, Drump Road, Redruth, TR15 1NA

10.30am - 12.30pm

Mid CornwallWoodland Road Children’s Centre

BumpsTorpoint Children’s Centre, Trevol Road, Torpoint, PL11 2NH MondayTrevol Road, Torpoint, PL11 2NH Monday 1.30pm - 3pm not bank holidaysMonday

RameBalcony Room, Millbrook Village Hall,

BabiesBalcony Room, Millbrook Village Hall, The Parade, PL10 1AX Thursdays

Balcony Room, Millbrook Village Hall, The Parade, PL10 1AX ThursdaysThe Parade, PL10 1AX

during term time 10.30am - 12.30pm during term time 10.30am - 12.30pm

West CornwallShekinah Christian Church, Taraveor Road, Penzance, TR18 2AA Friday 10.00am - 12.00noon

PenzanceShekinah Christian Church,

West CornwallPenzanceShekinah Christian Church, Taraveor Road, Penzance, TR18 2AA

West CornwallWest CornwallBreast

10.00am - 12.00noon

Friends andHayle Children’s CentreBodriggey Street, Hayle TR27 4ND

11:30 - 1:30pm

Visitor Drop-In

Hayle Children’s CentreBodriggey Street, Hayle TR27 4ND

FriendsHayle Children’s CentreBodriggey Street, Hayle TR27 4ND

11:30 - 1:30pm

Hayle andand St Ives

Drop-In withSupport:

Hayle Children’s Centre, Bodriggey Street, TR27 4ND

Drop-InSupport:

Bodriggey Street, TR27 4ND

with

CamelfordCamelford Children’s CentreCamelford CP School, Sportsman Road, PL32 9UEWednesdayCamelford CP School, Sportsman Road, PL32 9UEWednesday

Bodmin

Wednesday 11.30am – 12.30pm

Bodmin BreastfeedingChestnuts Centre. 83 Fore Street, Bodmin PL31 2JBTuesday 9.30am - 12.00noon9.30am - 12.00noon

LauncestonLaunceston Integrated Children’s Centre, Coronation Park, Launceston, PL15 9DQ Launceston Integrated Children’s Centre, Coronation Park, Launceston, PL15 9DQ

1.00pm-2.30pm

Callington Callington Children’s CentreSaltash Road, Callington, PL17 7EF Saltash Road, Callington, PL17 7EF

Varley Lane, Liskeard, PL14 3XA

Saltash Children’s Centre, Saltash, PL12 6DX


Breastfeeding your baby out and about

You can breastfeed your baby anywhere you feel comfortable to do so. If you are breastfeeding your baby when you are out and about, you’ll probably find that most of the time, nobody even notices! See the back cover for hints and tips on breastfeeding in public.

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging that business and others to help create a culture that positively protects and promotes breastfeeding as a normal part of family life.

You are welcome to breastfeed in all Children's Centres, libraries and health

care premises in Cornwall

“ Thank you so much for suggesting the library for feeding when I'm out - not only were the staff really welcoming but also it was very

comfy, and now I don't feel I have to pay for a coffee in a shop when my baby needs a feed”

Raksha, mum of Rhythm

“ breastfeeding as a normal part of family life.

staff really welcoming but also it was very comfy, and now I don't feel I have to pay for a coffee in a shop when my baby needs a feed

staff really welcoming but also it was very

coffee in a shop when my baby needs a feed

staff really welcoming but also it was very comfy, and now I don't feel I have to pay for a

staff really welcoming but also it was very comfy, and now I don't feel I have to pay for a

baby out and aboutbreastfeed your

breastfeeding your baby

baby out and aboutbreastfeed

baby out and aboutbaby out and about

baby whennobody even

public.

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media

babynobody

public.

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a

nobody evenyou

even notices!

glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging that business and others to help create a culture that positively protects and promotes breastfeeding as a normal part of family life.

and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging

glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging that business and others to help create a culture that positively protects and promotes breastfeeding as a normal part of family life.

or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging

o much for suggesting the library for feeding when I'm out - not only were the staff really welcoming but also it was very

comfy, and now I don't feel I have to pay for a

Children's Centres, Children's Centres, libraries and health

care premises in Cornwall

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums and babies feel comfortable and supported in our communities and will be encouraging

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a glass of water, help with toddler activities etc), please share this information on social media or with Real Baby Milk by emailing [email protected]. You will be helping new mums

If you go somewhere that is particularly helpful (eg they carry your tray for you, offer you a



Support & Information Local Community On-Call Midwife 24 hour 01872 258000

NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors Lesley Ibbotson - 01872 264642 Trained volunteers Jeni Hawkes - 07788 711481 Helen Shanahan - 07795 390050 Mandy Chapman - 07757 923746

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Helpline: 0300 330 0700

NCT have an excellent helpline with trained www.nct.org.uk breastfeeding counsellors available and useful articles on their website

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Helpline: 0300 100 0212a charity that trains women in breastfeeding www.abm.me.ukcounselling. Their website holds lots of useful leaflets

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) Helpline 9.30am - 9.30pmThe Breastfeeding Network aims to be an Helpline: 0300 100 0210independent source of support and information www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.ukfor breastfeeding mothers

La Leche League (UK) Helpline: 0345 120 2918La Leche are an international mother-to-mother www.laleche.org.uksupport organisation.

Also worth a look...www.babyfriendly.org.uk www.breastfeeding.co.ukinfo.babymilkaction.org www.kellymom.comwww.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk www.firststepsnutrition.org

Disclaimer: Real Baby Milk CIC accepts no responsibility for the content of websites other than www.realbabymilk.org

NATIONAL BREASTFEEDINGHELPLINE

0300 100 0212Available 9:30am - 9:30pm everyday

Real Baby Milk (Pollenn CIC)

5 Riverside House, Heron Way, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2XN

Telephone: 01872 260429

Email: [email protected]

www.realbabymilk.org

www.facebook.com/realbabymilk

www.twitter.com/realbabymilk

Pollenn is a not-for-profit organisation, Company Number 5963948. The Real Baby Milk logo and name is trademarked. This guide, its information and images within are the copyright of Real Baby Milk 2017. All information is correct at time of going to press.

useful articles on their website

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

NCT have an excellent helpline with trained breastfeeding counsellors available and

Association of Breastfeeding Mothersa charity that trains women in breastfeedingcounselling. Their website holds lots of useful leafletscounselling. Their website holds lots of useful leaflets

The BreastfeedingThe Breastfeeding Network aims to be anindependent source of support and informationThe Breastfeeding Network aims to be anindependent source of support and informationfor breastfeeding mothers

Leche LeagueLa Leche are an international mother-to-mother

League (UK)La Leche are an international mother-to-mother support organisation.

(UK)La Leche are an international mother-to-mother support organisation.

look...www.babyfriendly.org.uk www.babyfriendly.org.uk

www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk www.firststepsnutrition.orgwww.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk www.firststepsnutrition.org

Disclaimer: Real Baby Milk CIC accepts no responsibility for the content of websites other than www.realbabymilk.orgDisclaimer: Real Baby Milk CIC accepts no responsibility for the

www.faceboowww.faceboo


Pollenn is a not-for-profit organisation, Company Number


Pollenn is a not-for-profit organisation, Company Number 5963948. Pollenn is a not-for-profit organisation, Company Number

The Real Baby Milk logo and name is trademarked. This guide, its information and images within are the copyright of Real Baby Milk 2017. All information is correct at time of

The Real Baby Milk logo and name is trademarked. The Real Baby Milk logo and name is trademarked. This guide, its information and images within are the copyright

Support & InformationSupport & InformationSupport & InformationSupport & InformationSupport & InformationSupport & Support & InformationSupport & InformationSupport & Support & InformationSupport & InformationSupport &

LocalOn-Call

LocalMidwife

Counsellors Counsellors

Midwife

Counsellors

Midwife

Helpline:

NCT have an excellent helpline with trained

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Helpline: Helpline:

counselling. Their website holds lots of useful leaflets

Helpline:www.abm.me.uk

HelplineHelpline 9.30amHelpline: 0300www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

0210www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

0345 2918www.laleche.org.uk

2918

www.breastfeeding.co.uk

www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk www.firststepsnutrition.org

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