Breastfeeding supporters in the UK – both voluntary and paid – are skilled and experienced in offering breastfeeding support over the phone and online. Several helplines are available, and many have increased capacity: National Breastfeeding Helpline (run by the Association of Breastfeeding … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding support in the UK during the COVID-19 situation.
Breastfeeding Information
Milk for your baby during the coronavirus pandemic
If your baby is exclusively formula-fed If you are unable to find your usual formula milk, you can use any brand of first stage infant formula milk. They are all required by law to meet the same nutritional standards. “Stage 2” follow-on formula milk must not be used for babies under 6 … [Read more...] about Milk for your baby during the coronavirus pandemic
Breastfeeding and a Mother’s Diet: Myths and Facts
Women hear a lot of conflicting information about what they can or cannot eat while breastfeeding and these recommendations may vary according to culture and tradition, along with individual personal preference and finances. In some cultures a food may be considered beneficial to a breastfeeding … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and a Mother’s Diet: Myths and Facts
Feeding late preterm babies
What is a “late preterm” baby? Late preterm babies are usually defined as those born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. Because these babies are often well - most don’t need to spend time in Special Care - and because they look like full-term babies (just a bit smaller), it’s often assumed that … [Read more...] about Feeding late preterm babies
“Fussy evenings” with a newborn
My baby feeds all evening, and my breasts feel empty – have I run out of milk? Every time I try to put my baby down to sleep, they cry! What am I doing wrong? Why does my baby cry at the breast sometimes, even though they still seem hungry? If you’ve ever asked questions like this during the … [Read more...] about “Fussy evenings” with a newborn
Bottles and other tools
Feeding breastmilk other than at the breast When the nursing mother and baby are separated or the baby cannot feed at the breast, they may need another way of taking breastmilk. These tips assume that your baby is being fed expressed breastmilk. If this is not available, please check with your … [Read more...] about Bottles and other tools
Breastfeeding and Postnatal Depression
What is Postnatal Depression? Postnatal depression, or PND, is a depression that starts within the first 12 months after giving birth. In the UK it is estimated that 1 in 10 women suffers from PND at some point during the first 12 months of their baby’s life (1). The symptoms of PND include low … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and Postnatal Depression
Tandem Nursing
If you are breastfeeding during pregnancy, you may be wondering what happens after your new baby is born. Nursing a new baby while an older one is still nursing is generally referred to as tandem nursing. This could be after a pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby or having adopted a new nursling … [Read more...] about Tandem Nursing
Using donor milk and formula to support breastfeeding
Babies sometimes need more milk than they can take at the breast. This may be because they were born early or small, and don’t yet have enough energy to do all the work of breastfeeding. Sometimes, mothers don’t have as much milk as their baby needs. It is important that babies get … [Read more...] about Using donor milk and formula to support breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond infancy
Breastfeeding may not always be easy at first, but as the months go by many mothers find it is an important and enjoyable part of their relationship with their child, one neither of them is ready to bring to an end quickly. However, society is not always accepting or understanding of mothers nursing … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding beyond infancy