| For Parents
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby. It is possible, but difficult, for mothers to reverse a decision not to breastfeed or to re-start breastfeeding once they have stopped. Introducing partial bottle feeding will reduce a mother's breastmilk supply. Breastfeeding mothers do not need to eat any special foods but it is recommended that, just like everyone else, they eat healthily. There are risks to the health of the mother and the baby through not breastfeeding, which all parents-to-be should be made aware of.
Baby Friendly have provided a plan of care which should be followed for each mother throughout pregnancy and the delivery of her baby, and then through baby's early days, weeks and months of life.
In an accredited Baby Friendly area, during pregnancy you will have a full discussion about caring for and feeding your baby, including the benefits of breastfeeding. This will provide you with all the facts you need to make an informed choice. You will be given your baby to hold against your skin straight after they are born. A midwife will help support you and your baby to feed in the first hour or so after birth. Your baby will be kept with you at all times so that you can learn how to look after them and they will get to know you too.
If you decide to breastfeed, midwives and Star Buddies will continue to support you as you learn the skills of breastfeeding, so that you can be confident that your baby is able to get plenty of milk and feeding is not painful. You will be given information about how to breastfeed, and how to make enough milk for your baby. A member of staff will offer to show you how to express your milk by hand. Your baby will not be given formula milk or water unless there is a medical reason. You will receive information about the support available for breastfeeding once you leave hospital.
If you decide to bottlefeed, staff will support you., They will ask you if you want to be taught to make up a bottle properly and will answer any questions you have.
When you get home from hospital or if you deliver at home, staff will check that you are happy with your baby's feeding. They will show you how to hold your baby for feeding and how to express your milk.At around 10 days your Health Visitor will take over from your midwife and will offer continued support with infant feeding. Star Buddies Peer Supporters are also available to offer support, and in some areas they offer regular visits to breastfeeding mothers for 8 weeks. You will receive information about breastfeeding if your separated form your baby (for example by your returning to work), sharing a bed with your baby and the right time to give them other food and drink. You can breastfeed in all public areas of NHS abd Children's Centre premises across Blackpool & North Lancashire, or ask for privacy if you prefer. We have also compiled a list of local Breastfeeding Friendly business premises.
In addition to all of this, Children Centres will aslo offer support for breastfeeding, running breastfeeding groups, and welcoming breastfeeding mothers in all public areas. Many of their staff are trained in all of the Baby Friendly standards. |
