The health visiting service at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides support for mothers in Dudley embarking on their breastfeeding journey, from starting out to weaning their little ones.
Breastfeeding can be a somewhat daunting time for new parents with lots of information and opinions flying around, so here, Wendy Parkinson, Infant Feeding Lead at BCHFT, shares her advice for all things breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding basics
Wendy says: “Breastfeeding helps your baby to bond with you and it promotes a close and loving relationship. It lowers the baby’s stress hormones, increases their ‘love’ hormone, oxytocin, providing the perfect conditions for your baby’s brain development.
“It is convenient as there is no sterilisation or bottles to make up. You can feed your baby in most places when you feel confident to do this.
“A breast feed is always available and there is no expensive formula milk powder to buy. What’s more, you can’t overfeed your breastfed baby.
“There are many benefits of carrying on breastfeeding after six months – your breast milk protects your baby from infections and there's some evidence it helps them digest solid foods.
“Breast feeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for you and can help your uterus return to size following the pregnancy.”
A common concern for new parents is whether their baby is getting enough milk but Wendy says that breast feeding is about supply and demand, and the more often your baby feeds, the more milk your body will produce.
Wendy added: “Many mums worry whether their baby is getting enough breast milk. Speak to your health professional who will ask about the number of your baby’s wet and dirty nappies, whether you can hear your baby swallow milk and is your baby gaining weight, in order to reassure you.
“Positioning your baby in the right way for a feed and helping them get a deep latch at the breast will help him feed well and get plenty of milk”.
Working or studying while breastfeeding
It is possible to continue to breastfeed if you return to work or studying, with employers having certain legal obligations they must follow to support you. There are steps you can take to make the transition run smoothly.
Wendy explains: “A couple of months before you go back, plan ahead and contact your employer/university to discuss expressing milk or even feeding your baby in the workplace depending on your role. Depending on the age of your baby and breastfeeding goals, try offering some expressed breastmilk from a bottle in the weeks before you return to work or your studies so that other carers can feed your baby.
“When you return, choose clothes that make feeding or expressing easier. Take a spare top or breast pads in case of leakage.
“Plan who will care for your baby and how can they help you with continuing to breastfeed. Can you choose a carer close to where you are based? A week or two before starting, make a dry run to see how your plans work.
“If you are expressing milk, make sure you know about the guidelines for safe storage and use. www.nhs.uk/expressing-storing-breast-milk offers advice around this topic.”
Introducing solid foods and other drinks
Weaning your little one and introducing solid foods is another big transition, so it’s useful to be prepared.
Wendy says: “Wait until your baby is 6 months old – they will be less likely to develop allergies, their gut is more mature and their development at this age means they will be more likely to eat and swallow their food. However, your breastmilk will be their main food for a few more months.
“Contact your health visitor when your baby is around 4 months old and arrange to attend a weaning group and learn how to wean safely and make it fun!"
Support is available
As well as your health visitor, specialist infant feeding midwives, maternity infant feeding support workers and nursery nurses can also offer support, especially because these services have been accredited by the prestigious UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative, so you are not alone.
Family Hubs are new and exciting community spaces that will offer a one-stop-shop around any parenting topics, including breast feeding. They are designed to provide a warm welcome to breastfeeding parents which are inclusive and friendly.
Breastfeeding Peer Supporters are a team of people have breastfed their own babies and have had extra training to support parents around breastfeeding in their local area. Find out more at: www.newbabynetwork.co.uk.
Wendy added: “Breastfeeding can be tricky at first but there is a lot of support to access either in person or online, whether you are thinking of breastfeeding in the future, are pregnant or already have a baby.”
The health visiting team at BCHFT support families in the Dudley borough, from pregnancy to when the child starts school. For more information on the service, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/dudley-health-visiting-service