Breastfeeding
At the NHS we know breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. All our nurses are trained to provide support and there are Lactation Consultants also available.
Here are a few tips to getting started right!
- Attend a prenatal class in person or online
- Get a good breastfeeding book: if you are unsure of a good one, contact your local La Leche League or call the hospital and ask to speak with the Lactation Consultant
- Find a good peer support group like the La Leche League
- Try to have as natural a birth as possible
- Immediately after birth place baby skin to skin for a minimum of 60 minutes
- Keep your baby with you at all times unless there is a medical indication for separation
- Avoid pacifier/soother and bottles, supplements should only be given for medical reasons
- Feed baby on demand, never on a schedule, learn the baby’s feeding cues
- Make sure you see the Lactation Consultant before discharge if available
- 10. Limit visitors while learning to breastfeed. It’s very difficult to give breastfeeding your undivided attention, when visitors are waiting in the hallway
- Make sure you know where to seek help once you are discharged home
MOST IMPORTANT: BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! You did everything during your pregnancy to keep your baby healthy and safe and now you have chosen the most natural and healthy way to feed your baby.
For additional information about breastfeeding see these websites: