Service Description

Parents often find themselves in a double-bind when it comes to breastfeeding. On the one hand society tells them that ‘breast is best’ and to keep going whatever happens, on the other, mums are often at a loss to access the right information and timely support. This can result in mums experiencing challenges like painful breastfeeding, or babies who can’t feed at the breast, topped off with extreme feelings of guilt when they make the decision to feed with formula or express. For mums who decide to feed with formula, similar pressures can also apply, often from friends, family and health professionals. And just as it is for breastfeeding mums, this leaves them with complicated feelings about the right way to feed their baby. Our sessions aim to equip all parents, however they decide to feed their baby, with the knowledge and skills they need to start their feeding journey with confidence. You’ll also leave the session feeling assured that whatever happens, you know where to go for support. We take a mother-centred approach, exploring the issues that are important to you, which typically includes: ● Antenatal colostrum harvesting ● The first hour after birth ● Positioning a baby for breastfeeding ● Responsive feeding either at the breast or with formula ● Baby feeding cues ● How you know a baby has had enough milk ● Paced bottle feeding ● Partner support ● How and when to express ● The pros and cons of expressing ● Safely storing breastmilk and formula milk ● Making up formula milk safely ● Challenges that may come up ● Who to go to for support