Feeding baby

There are three options for feeding your baby. These are breastfeeding, formula and a mix of both (combi feeding).

You will be encouraged to start to feed within an hour of birth where possible. Your midwives and doctors will support whichever decision you make regarding the type of milk you choose for your baby.

We recommend breastfeeding where possible as breast feeding has additional health benefits.

If you choose to breastfeed and you would like help, you can get support on how to breastfeed and there are even medications available which can help. There are lots of factors which can impact how viable breastfeeding is for you and your baby. It is not right for everyone, but if you choose to, those benefits are there no matter how short you breast feed for.

If you would like to use formula milk, you can use the first infant formula for the whole first year of your baby’s life. To prepare feeds safely you can sterilise their bottles.