Breastfeeding Policy

We support the right for all parents and carers to make informed choices about infant feeding and our staff will support you in your decisions.

We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby.

We recognise the important benefits it provides for both you and your child and therefore we will encourage you to breastfeed.

• All members of the 0-19+ team have been trained to help and support you to breastfeed your baby successfully.
• During your pregnancy and after your baby is born you will be able to discuss your thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding, individually, with a trained member of staff who will answer any questions you may have. We will support you to develop a close and loving relationship with your baby.
• We will show you how to express your breast milk and we will give you guidance and information.
• We recommend that you hold your new baby against your skin as soon as possible after birth and keep them near you whenever you can, so that you can get to know each other. We will give you information and advice about how to manage night feeds.
• We will give you information and advice about safe sleeping.
• We will encourage you to breastfeed your baby whenever they seem to hungry and we will explain how you can tell they are getting enough milk.
• We will recommend that you avoid using bottles, dummies, and nipple shields while your baby is learning to breastfeed. These can make it more difficult for your baby to learn to breastfeed successfully and for you to establish a good milk supply.
• Most babies do not need to be given anything other than breast milk until they are six months old. If for some reason your baby needs other food or drink before then, it will be fully explained to you by staff.
• We will help you to recognise when your baby is ready for other foods (normally at about 6 months old) and explain how these can be introduced.
• We will give you a list of contacts and groups who you can contact for extra help and support with breastfeeding, or who can help if you have a problem.
• We will give you information to help you breastfeed when you are out and about.

We welcome breastfeeding on our premises. If you prefer somewhere private to breastfeed your baby, please ask a member of staff. Please ask a member of staff if you wish to see the full policy.