A cleft lip or palate happens when the structures that form the baby’s upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) don’t join together when a baby is developing in the womb. Cleft affects around 1 in 700 babies. Many babies who have a cleft lip are able to breastfeed, with adaptations. Babies who have a … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding a Cleft-affected Baby
What About Breastfeeding When...?
Breastfeeding support in the UK during the COVID-19 situation.
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.
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
Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis and Breastfeeding
When a mum quits smoking, she’s making one of the biggest changes she can to improve her health, and the health of her baby. Any accurate information that those involved in breastfeeding support can give her, will support her to maintain that change. The hardest time to make or maintain behaviour … [Read more...] about Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in Emergency Situations
Breastfeeding in emergency situations is usually talked about in relation to disasters which have occurred in countries outside of the UK. However unexpected crises can happen anywhere at any time. In emergency situations breastfeeding provides a mother with the ability to nourish her child … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding in Emergency Situations
Breastfeeding and HIV
Please note: The British HIV Association (BHIVA) guidelines were updated in 2018. The current BHIVA guidelines (as well as patient information leaflets) are here: https://www.bhiva.org/pregnancy-guidelines Summary of Key points • The World Health Organisation recommends that replacement feeding … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding and HIV
Alcohol & breastfeeding (quick read)
The effects of alcohol on your baby are directly related to the amount you drink. When you drink occasionally the amount of alcohol your baby receives has not been proven to be harmful. Things to consider Do I need to pump and dump? Can alcohol affect milk supply? Do I have to pump and dump … [Read more...] about Alcohol & breastfeeding (quick read)
Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed and nurture a baby. If you have diabetes you may be concerned about whether you can breastfeed. The answer is yes. All mothers experience metabolic and hormonal changes after giving birth. A mother with diabetes who breastfeeds has an advantage … [Read more...] about Diabetes and Breastfeeding
Smoking & Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby is still the best choice you can make, even if you can’t stop smoking. Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for mothers and babies. For babies, it reduces their risk of diabetes, certain cancers, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and many other health … [Read more...] about Smoking & Breastfeeding
When a Mother is Ill
When a mother is ill, it affects the whole family. For a breastfeeding mother, there are additional concerns about how her illness may affect her baby, whether directly because of any medication she needs to take, or indirectly if the illness makes it more difficult for her to feed and care for her … [Read more...] about When a Mother is Ill