Infant Feeding

We know that feeding an infant, however you choose, can be overwhelming, especially if it's not straight-forward or you're feeling like you're having issues. Always remember to speak to your Midwife, Health Visitor or Early Days Worker at your local Family Hub if you need some support, guidance or advice around any type of infant feeding. Finding ways to overcome these issues can also vastly improve your mental well being, even if it's just having a conversation about it with a fellow parent, friend or loved one.

Breastfeeding

There is a lot of evidence which highlights how beneficial breastfeeding is for your baby. If you would like to read more about the benefits of breastfeeding, you might find this link helpful https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/

Breast milk is tailor made for your baby; it provides them with all the nutrients they need, and also contains lots of protective factors that help reduce the risk of certain illness. There are lots of other reasons that you might consider breastfeeding. There are health benefits for mums too. Did you know that Breastfeeding also protects mothers from breast and ovarian cancers and heart disease? Breastmilk is also free, and the production of breast milk has no impact on the environment.

If you are still unsure or considering your options for feeding your baby, you can speak to your Midwife and Health Visitor for further guidance. It's important to remember that you will be supported in your choices no matter how you choose to feed your baby, and you should have access to factual information and be able to speak to an expert will help you to make a decision that feels right for you and your baby.

If you are using infant formula, it’s important that you know how to make up a bottle safely. It’s also important to look out for cues that your baby has had enough of their bottle. You can find more useful information on bottle feeding here https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding/

Breastfeeding Groups

Breast Start Groups

In Doncaster, you can attend our Breast Start Groups either whilst pregnant or when your baby/babies have arrived. These groups usually take place at your local Family Hubs or other community venues by the Doncaster Health Visiting team, and are designed to offer a warm and supportive group environment where you can access support and guidance from professionals and fellow feeding mums. Find out more about the Breast Start sessions HERE.

First Friends Groups

If you dont feel like attending a dedicated breastfeeding group but still want to join in a local group with other mums in a breastfeeding-friendly environment, you can always try the First Friends Groups, also run by the Doncaster Health Visiting team - it's another great way to meet other parents in your area and get in those early of socialising your little one with other babies, whilst having access to feeding support from the professionals should you need it. Find our more about First Friends groups HERE

Breastfeeding Support in Doncaster

Other Breastfeeding Support 

 We Support Our Mums!

We know that half the battle of having a successful breastfeeding journey isn't down to you or your baby. In fact, feeling like your supported in your breastfeeding journey, be that by your partner and family, friends or even by your local community, businesses you engage with and even by strangers, can ensure you and your baby are happy and thriving with breastfeeding. It can be daunting to breastfeed in public places, whether you're new to it or experienced with feeding, and we're on a mission to make Doncaster a breastfeeding-positive city!

Our 'We Support Our Mums' scheme is all about raising awareness of the importance and acceptance of breastfeeding, and showcasing businesses, organisations and venues in Doncaster who provide a breastfeeding-positive environment for feeding parents. We even have an interactive map of all of the organisations and venues who actively support parents to breastfeed! All businesses and organisations who have signed up to our We Support Our Mums scheme have agreed to our 'pledge' meaning that they meet the standards we expect of a breastfeeding positive venue, which includes:

• Babies can be breastfed in any public area of the venue
• A breastfeeding mum will not be asked to move to another area or stop breastfeeding
• All members of staff are made aware of the scheme and the organisation's breastfeeding policy and are supportive to the needs of breastfeeding mothers
• The public will be made aware that the venue is part of the scheme through clearly displaying the promotional material or information
• The venue has agreed to be reviewed by local breastfeeding mums
• The venue understands that some women prefer privacy when feeding and will do all they can to help them
• The venue will respond sensitively if inappropriate comments are made about breastfeeding in their venue
• The venue will ensure their own staff are supported if breastfeeding while in employment

Find out more about the campaign HERE