
We are working towards UNICEF best practice standards so that we can receive the prestigious Baby Friendly award, which is a nationally recognised mark of quality care.
Implementing the UNICEF standards for ‘infant feeding and relationship building’ is proven to increase the number of women who choose to breastfeed and enables women to feed their baby for longer.
Breastfeeding is the healthiest, most cost-effective way to feed your baby and is also environmentally friendly.
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough - especially in the first few days. But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.
This Start 4 life information leaflet contains further information about breastfeeding your baby.
Off to the best start breastfeeding leaflet.pdf [pdf] 4MB
The NHS website has more information on further aspects on breastfeeding
For further information, watch this video about Breastfeeding and Relationship Building produced by Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative or visit the UNICEF website.
Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, but exclusively breastfeeding your baby for 6 months offers a lot more protection. There are benefits and advantages for you too – breastfeeding helps:
There are many benefits of carrying on breastfeeding after 6 months – your breast milk protects your baby from infections and there’s some evidence it helps them digest solid foods. (Source: www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breastfeeding)
Please note: It can be difficult to resume breastfeeding once you have stopped feeding or using a breast pump, (however, it’s sometimes possible). Introducing formula feeds whilst breastfeeding reduces a mother’s breast milk supply.
Some women feel tummy pain when their womb shrinks, especially when they're breastfeeding. This is normal and is the womb contracting to return to size.
For breastfed babies, in the early weeks, they will typically feed at least eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period (if they are fed when they show signs they’re hungry). It’s important to remember that breastfed babies cannot be overfed.
If you feed your baby when they are showing ‘early cues’ this will often lead to a more relaxed and calmer feed.
See the feeding cues which help to establish when your baby needs more milk.
Do you want to know how to know more about harvesting your colostrum in preparation for your baby's birth?
This can be done from 37 weeks of pregnancy. Infant feeding coordinator Leigh-Anne Hartley talks about harvesting colostrum and provides a demonstration of how to do it in this video:
It's important to note that some people are encouraged to do this whilst others are discouraged due to contraindications.
The below people are encouraged to use antenatal expression to harvest their colostrum:
People who have any of the below are advised against antenatal expression to harvest their colostrum as this is contraindicated in the following circumstances:
Contact
For any questions relating to antenatal expression and harvesting colostrum please contact our infant feeding team.
That approximately 8 out of 10 women stop breastfeeding before they want to.
In this video produced by Breastfeeding Together, they look at the composition of breast milk, what's in there and why and also how it compares to infant formula milk.
If you choose to breastfeed it shouldn’t be painful throughout the entire feed.
Talk to your midwife about attaching your baby to the breast if you feel it isn’t right. Your baby will come off the breast themselves and be settled if they have had enough milk. Seek out support if you feel something isn’t ok, trust your instincts.
Did you know?
Top tips
Our amazing charity partners FAB (families and babies Wakefield) join our maternity team at Pinderfields Hospital and provide support new parents with breastfeeding.
If you don’t get chance to meet one of the FAB team’s Peer Supporters, please ask one of our midwives and they can put you in touch. They offer telephone, one-to-one support and home visits if required. They also run weekly breastfeeding support groups.
FAB are available 24/7 on 01924 851 901
Visit FAB in Wakefield
31 All Saints Walk, The Ridings Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1US
9.30am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday
12.30pm – 3pm on Saturdays
10.00am – 3pm on Sundays
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue tie, is a condition which affects around 10% of babies and is more common in boys than girls. Most of us have a lingual frenulum (a membrane situated on the underside of the tongue) so the presence of a visible or palpable lingual frenulum is normal anatomy.
Many tongue ties do not cause problems and do not require treatment, with some resolving spontaneously over time. In some instances feeding support to improve attachment is all that is needed.
However, in some babies this lingual frenulum may be short, tight and attached close to the tip of the tongue and/or on the gum and cause restrictions in tongue movement and function. A division of the lingual frenulum may be recommended if the tongue tie is causing problems with feeding. The medical name for this procedure is a frenulotomy, and referrals can be made to the midwife run clinic at Dewsbury and District Hospital.
Use the 'Breastfeeding Friend' for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice anytime, day or night. You can sign in to Facebook, use Amazon Alexa or Google Home to access the Start4Life 'Breastfeeding Friend' chatbot