At BSUH we are committed to supporting you to feed your baby in a way which allows you both to thrive.
We are part of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative which sets evidence based standards for our service, designed to equip parents with the best possible knowledge and tools to build close and loving relationships which support optimum health and development.
We currently hold Stage 2 Baby Friendly status which means that our service demonstrates that all staff have been trained and educated according to their role to support and care for mothers and their families effectively. We are planning to apply for Stage 3 status in the near future.
Further information on feeding your newborn is available in our postnatal booklet.
Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life is recommended to give him or her the best start. At BSUH we are committed to supporting you to achieve successful breastfeeding. Breast milk has all the nutrients that your baby needs for the first six months and helps to protect them from lots of infections and other diseases. Breast feeding also reduces the chance of mothers getting breast and ovarian cancer, reduces risk of bone fractures and high blood pressure in later life, can make it easier to lose pregnancy weight and saves money (formula feeding can cost as much as £45 a month). Breast feeding also helps to create a really strong bond between you and your baby as you spend time so closely together.
Every day you breast feed your baby counts to make a difference to their wellbeing, the longer you feed your baby breast milk the more they benefit. Babies who are not breastfed have an increased chance of:
• Gastroenteritis requiring hospital admission
• Chest infections and having to go to hospital as a result
• Ear infections
• Constipation
• Obesity which continues into adult life
• All allergy related diseases
• Gut related illnesses
Bottle feeding
Any breastfeeding is valuable, and we support mothers to help their baby receive as much breast milk as they can. Formula milk does not provide the same benefits for your baby that breast milk can, such as protection against illness and infection. Although we encourage all mothers to breastfeed because of the health benefits for mothers and babies, we know that some mothers may be unable to, or choose not to, breastfeed.
If you are unable to fully breastfeed, or choose not to, we will provide the support you need in order to bottle feed as safely as possible.