Feeding your baby

The Department of Health and WHO recommend that babies have nothing other than breastmilk for the first 6 months of life and then continue breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to two years and beyond. Breastfeeding improves the health of mothers and babies and helps to nurture a close and responsive relationship between mother and child. Your breastmilk will adapt to the changing needs of your developing baby.

Successful breastfeeding may be defined as breastfeeding for as long you as you wish to. Many mothers in the UK experience problems with breastfeeding and give up earlier than they would have liked. We aim to provide the information, support and encouragement you need to breastfeed for as long as you and your baby would like.

We are here to answer your questions and support you in your choices for when your baby arrives. We recommend you talk to your midwife during your pregnancy about your thoughts or feelings on the following;

  • Building a relationship
  • Skin to skin contact with your baby
  • How to respond to your baby’s needs

Have you seen our  Feeding_Your_Baby_Folder.pdf [pdf] 5MB. This is available to read of download from the Infant Feeding page of the maternity Padlet - Infant feeding (padlet.com).

Breastfeeding support groups

 

he team in Hillingdon want you to feel supported as you learn to breastfeed your baby and we realise that questions or problems can arise at any stage. 

For the latest information about support, visit: 

Other contacts:

  • Health Visitor duty line: 01895 891302 9-5pm Mon – Friday (closed Weekends and Bank Holidays)
  • National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

Bottlefeeding

If you're planning to bottle feed with expressed breast milk or infant formula, these tips will help keep your baby safe and healthy. There is more advice on the Bottle Feeding Advice page from NHS Choices.

  • You'll need a number of bottles and teats, as well as sterilising equipment. There's no evidence that one type of teat or bottle is better than any other. Simple bottles that are easy to wash and sterilise are probably best.
  • Make sure your bottles and teats are sterilised and wash your hands thoroughly. If you're using infant formula, follow the instructions on the packaging carefully when you make up the feed. See how to make up baby formula.
  • Bottle feeding is a chance to feel close to your baby and get to know them. Make sure you're sitting comfortably. Enjoy holding your baby and looking into their eyes as you feed them. Hold your baby fairly upright for bottle feeds. Support their head so they can breathe and swallow comfortably.  Brush the teat against your baby's lips and, when your they open their mouth wide, let them draw in the teat. Always give your baby plenty of time to feed.

Useful links »

Patient leaflets »

Unicef - Whilst you are pregnant (PDF) - This leaflet offers advice and information for parents on getting to know their baby and setting up the foundations for a close and loving relationship.

Caring for your baby

Become a breastfeeding volunteer

We are looking for volunteers with experience/interest in breastfeeding, to expand their knowledge and support mothers with breastfeeding. Please contact Julia Masdon on julia.masdin@nhs.net or 01895 279723 for details.

Becoming_a_Breastfeeding_Peer_Support_Volunteer.pdf [pdf] 363KB

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