Infant feeding
This Trust supports the right of all parents to make an informed choice about infant feeding.
We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and we recognise the important benefits which breastfeeding provides for both you and your child.
During your pregnancy you will be able to discuss infant feeding with a midwife, health visitor or a person trained in breastfeeding, who will answer your questions.
During pregnancy you will be invited to our baby nutrition session. This covers all you need to know about infant feeding, including the differences between formula and breast milk, what to expect over the first few days and the practical aspects of breastfeeding.
These nutrition sessions are currently online. Please click on the baby nutrition tab at the top of the page or on the link immediately below to view this, or please speak to your Community Midwife for more information.
Baby Nutrition online course for parents
At delivery we will encourage you to hold your baby in skin to skin contact - this helps to keep your baby warm, stimulates feeding cues and helps with the establishment of feeding. A member of staff will be available to help in these initial hours.
When you return home a community midwife/midwifery support worker will visit and will be able to help with supporting you through this learning process. Most babies do not need to be given anything other than milk for the first six months but, if for some reason your baby needs some other feed, this will be discussed with you.
We encourage you to keep your baby close and to feed whenever he or she seems to be hungry; we also recommend that you avoid using bottles and dummies while learning to breastfeed, as this can sometimes interfere with maintaining milk supply and confuse baby while they are learning how to breastfeed.
The Peer Support team are a dedicated group of mothers trained in Breastfeeding Management, who also have personal experience of breastfeeding. You may come in to contact with the team in the hospital, at your local children’s centres and in the community hubs after your baby is born.
A breastfeeding clinic to provide support is also available with the Infant feeding team. This is for Antenatal mums to discuss concerns or queries around feeding your baby and for Postnatal mums to support with ongoing feeding issues. Please speak with your midwife or call the Infant Feeding team on 01493 453076 if you would like more information, or email InfantFeedingTeam@jpaget.nhs.uk
Breastfeeding support
Speak to your midwife or health visitor regarding local breastfeeding support groups.
Please see below for some leaflets that may provide further advice and support, and videos introducing our Infant Feeding Team and giving more information about our Peer Support team.
