To mark this year’s Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August 2024) our Infant Feeding teams, part of the 0-19 service, has shared some tips and advice wherever you are in your breastfeeding journey.
Building a happy baby
Responding to your baby’s needs helps their brain development and makes them feel more secure. To help you be more responsive to your baby, you can start building the relationship through pregnancy by both you and your partner talking to them.
After birth you can build this relationship by continuing to have skin to skin contact, talking, singing, playing, eye contact during feeding and conversations during nappy changing.
It’s not possible to spoil a baby by cuddling them too much!
Responsive breastfeeding
It is important to keep your baby close both day and night to pick up on the signs that they need a feed. You can breastfeed when they show signs that they are hungry or need comforting, when your breasts are full or simply if you want to sit and have a cuddle with them.
Remember a breastfed baby cannot be overfed.
Stomach sizes
Did you know that your baby’s tummy can only hold a teaspoon of milk when it is first born? This is why they will need frequent feeding in the first few days. In the first month, the stomach grows from the size of a cherry to an egg.
You can tell they're getting enough milk if they are having six or more heavy wet nappies a day, having their bowels open at least two times a day up until the age of six weeks, and when they open their bowels, it is soft, yellow in colour and about the size of a £2 coin.
Hand expression
If you are going to be separated from your baby, or if you need to express some milk because your breasts are engorged, to help your baby attach or for any other reason this can be done simply by hand.
Ask your midwife or health visitor to show you how, they may use a knitted breast to explain this.
Introduction to solids
Babies need only need milk until the age of six months. Solid foods can then be introduced slowly alongside their normal milk.
You can continue to breastfeed for as long as you wish, all babies can also be introduced to cow’s milk at the age of one, either full fat or semi-skimmed.
Feeding your baby away from home
Breastfeeding is protected by law; you are legally allowed to breastfeed in public. If you feel uncomfortable or nervous about feeding your baby in front of others, you could practice in a mirror, this will show you what others see. Some mothers are more comfortable when wearing clothing that makes it easier to keep covered.
Finding other mums who are breastfeeding can also help, the Tower Hamlets Baby Feeding service run regular drop-in groups at the Children and Family centresFamily Hubs in Tower Hamlets where you can go for help, support and to meet others who have babies of a similar age.
Returning to work
You may want to continue to give your baby breastmilk when you return to work. Make sure you plan and ask your employer about places to express and store your milk. They are legally required to ensure you have a place to rest. Your Health visitor can support you to make a plan for returning to work
More information
If you need support, you can get in touch with any of the Baby feeding helplines below:
Tower Hamlets Baby Feeding Service (Barts Health) – Tel: 02035942591 or call/text on 07961609626
Facebook | Twitter – Follow @b2bth
National Breastfeeding Helpline – Tel: 0300 100 0212, 9.30am – 9.30pm
BfN Supporter line (Bengali / Sylheti) – Tel: 0300 456 2421, 9.30am – 9.30pm
La Lech League – Tel: 0345 120 2918
NCT– Tel: 0300 330 0700, 8.00am – 12.00 midnight
