Feeding My Baby
The first few days feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. We have lots of help to support available to help you with your infant feeding journey.
How should I feed my baby?
Firstly, it’s important to remember It’s your choice. Experts recommend breastfeeding for a number of reasons, you can find out more here.
However, everyone is different, so choose what’s right for you and your baby. Some women find it challenging or have a medical reason stopping them from breastfeeding. Lots of mums decide to express their milk, and feed their baby by bottle. And other mums choose to bottle feed using formula.
Regardless of your feeding choice, there is lots of support for you in Sandwell. If you have any questions or concerns about feeding, talk to your midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding network.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a journey. It may have its ups and downs, especially at first but, with patience and practice, you'll likely find it's the most satisfying way to nourish your baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding for your baby:
- Contains essential nutrients: Breast milk is packed with vitamins and minerals that are vital for your baby's growth and development.
- Always available: Breast milk is always ready and available whenever your baby is hungry.
- Offers protection: Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from certain infections, as it contains antibodies that boost their immune system.
- Improves long-term health: Breastfeeding has been linked to various health benefits for your baby, including a reduced risk of childhood obesity, allergies, and certain chronic diseases.
- Reduces the risk of SIDS: Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Protects against diseases: Breastfeeding can lower the risk of childhood diabetes and leukaemia.
Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, but exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months offers the most protection. Breast milk continues to provide essential benefits after six months, including protection against infections and helping digest solid foods.
Benefits for you:
- Uterine health: Breastfeeding can help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly.
- Bonding: Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to bond with your baby and create a solid emotional connection.
- Oxytocin release: Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes calmness and connection.
- Health benefits: Breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
How to breastfeed your baby
How do I get started?
The NHS, Better Health, Start for Life webpage have everything you need to know about breastfeeding, from the benefits for you and your baby to helpful tips and resources. Get expert advice on latching, positioning, and overcoming common challenges to ensure a smooth breastfeeding journey.
How babies tell you they're hungry
Your baby will tell you they are hungry by using a lot of cues.
Some early signs include:
- Bobbing their head or turning and opening their mouth
- Wriggling or clenching their fists
- Putting their hands near their face or chewing on their fingers
It’s important to recognise these cues early on to avoid waiting until your baby cries, which might mean that your baby is already hungry.
Once you understand these signs, it is easier for your baby to communicate with you! All in hopes to leading to a stress free feeding time for both you and you baby.
For more information on feeding cues, click here.
Breastfeeding Network
The service offers free friendly support to expectant and new parents living in Sandwell.
- Getting started and continuing breastfeeding.
- Expressing and bottle-feeding
- Weaning and introducing solids
We're here for all Sandwell families. If you have questions or need someone to talk to, get in touch today.
What support we offer
- Antenatal workshops
- 1-on-1 calls or video chats
- Face-to-face meetings
- Online drop-in groups
- Support at Baby Clubs
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Walking groups
Expressing Breast Milk
Expressing milk means pumping it from your breasts for immediate use or storage. You can use your hands or a pump. Store it in the fridge or freezer.
But remember, always label your milk the day of collection.
Why Express?
- Premature or sick baby
- Returning to work/school
- Full breasts
- Latching issues
- Boosting milk supply
- Introducing solids
For more information, visit NHS Better Health, Start for Life's page on feeding your baby.
Free Breast Pump Loan
Supporting breastfeeding in Sandwell
Sandwell Family Hubs offers a free Breastfeeding Pump Loan Service to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
This equipment also allows parents and caregivers to support their baby's feeding.
Who’s eligible?
Any new parent living in Sandwell that wants to breastfeed.
How to apply:
You can arrange an appointment with your local Family Hub or email samina.saudagar@barnardos.org.uk for further information.
Bottle Feeding
You may wonder about the best formula and equipment and how to feed your baby comfortably.
All infant formulas sold in the UK are regulated to meet high nutritional standards. So, no matter the brand or price, you can trust that your baby is getting the essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.
For more information on what you need and how to bottle feed, visit the NHS website on bottle feeding.
How to safely make a bottle feed
Maintaining excellent hygiene when preparing formula for your baby is important since their immune system is still developing. Washing and sterilising all feeding equipment, including bottles, teats, and other accessories, is essential before each feed.
This helps prevent infections, such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
For more information visit:
What is responsive bottle feeding?
Building a bond is important.
Feeds are a time for you and your baby to connect. Babies often feel more secure when most feeds are given by parents or primary caregivers, especially in the early weeks. This helps strengthen your connection to your baby.
By observing your baby's feeding cues (shown in the chart within the breastfeeding section), you can gain valuable insights into their feeding patterns and build a stronger connection with your baby.
Here are some tips to help your baby feel more secure
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- Encourage the baby to open their mouth by tickling their lips with the teat.
- Gently insert the teat. Keep the bottle horizontal and just slightly tipped so the baby doesn't feed too fast.
- If the baby feeds fast, lower the heat so the milk flow slows.
- Never use a prop for the bottle or leave the baby alone with the bottle because they could choke.
- Don't force the baby to finish the bottle; it can be distressing for the baby and can mean they are overfed.
For more information on paced feeding, click here.
Sterilising
Sterilising your baby's feeding equipment, including bottles, teats, and other accessories, is crucial until your baby is at least 12 months old. This helps protect your baby from infections, especially diarrhoea and vomiting.
Remember!
- Consistency: The same cleaning and sterilising methods apply to breast milk and formula feeding.
- Safety first: Always ensure your baby's feeding equipment is clean and sterilised to protect their health.
How to Sterilise:
Click here to visit the NHS Start for Life webpage. Rest assured, by following the NHS guidelines, you'll be ensuring the cleanest and safest feeding environment for your baby.
