Infant Feeding
Helpful leaflets and booklets
Breastfeeding after returning to work or study
Helpful videos for breastfeeding
Human milk for human babies, a video on the benefits of breastfeeding can be found via this link here
Video on breastfeeding and relationships in the early days from UNICEF can be found here
Video on Best Beginnings from UNICEF can be found here
Advice on feeding a newborn from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust can be found here
Helpful Websites and Apps
Advice for Grandparents
Grandparents can play an important role in supporting breastfeeding and ensuring your grandchild gets the best start in life.
The Association for Breastfeeding Mothers have a very useful information leaflet. This leaflet can be accessed in English, Welsh, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi and Polish via the following link
NATIONAL HELPLINES
THE NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING NETWORK Helpline : 0300 100 0212 provides independent, confidential, mother-centred non-judgemental breastfeeding support and information. Open from 9.30am to 9.30pm every single day of the year. Calls to the Helpline cost no more than calls to UK numbers starting with 01 and are part of any inclusive minutes that apply to your mobile provider or call package.
LA LECHE LEAGUE breastfeeding helpline : 0345 120 2918. Open 8am to 11pm, seven days a week.
Breast Feeding
Baby: Benefits of breast feeding
- Made especially for your baby and meets their growing needs.
- Your baby is less likely to have chest infections, diarrhoea and vomiting which need hospital treatment. In adulthood less likely to become overweight, have diabetes, reduced chance of ear infections, constipation & eczema.
- Reduced risk of Sudden infant death.
- Contains the vitamins and minerals for your baby’s needs.
Mum: Benefits of breast feeding
- Can lower your risk of breast cancer.
- Can reduce your risk of getting ovarian cancer, diabetes & weak bones.
- You can burn up to 500 extra calories which may aid your pregnancy weight loss.
- Can save you money compared to bottle feeding.
Support
You can talk to your midwife, health care assistant or health visitor.
Breastfeeding help and support – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
National Breastfeeding Helpline – Helpline
Breastfeeding in the UK – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)
Formula Feeding
Most infant formula is made from cows’ milk and it has been treated to make it suitable for babies. Infant formula can be bought as a powder or ready made.
It is important you give your baby the right formula for their age. First infant formula is often described suitable for newborn babies. there are many brands you can choose from, it is your choice to pick one.
Never change your baby’s formula milk before talking to your midwife, health visitor or doctor.
What you need
- bottles, teats and bottle cover
- bottle brush & teat brush
- formula powder or ready made formula
- sterilising equipment
How to make up a feed with milk powder
- Fill the kettle with fresh water from the cold tap and boil the water
- Leave the boiled water in the kettle to cool for 30 mins
- On a clean surface stand the bottle (leave the teat and bottle lid in the steriliser)
- Read the instructions on the milk powder container. fill the water to the right water level
- Use the scoop to add the milk powder – check the instructions on the milk power container for amount. always level off the scoop with a clean leveller provided the flat edge of a clean & dry knife
- Screw on the teat (try to touch the edge of teat only) then cover with the bottle lid and shake well until the powder dissolves
- Always check the temperature of the milk before you feed your baby. do this by dropping some milk on the inside of your wrist. It should not feel hot
- After your baby has finished the feed, always throw out any feed remaining in the bottle.