Feeding and caring for your baby (Baby Friendly)

Baby Friendly Care at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative

We are proud to have been awarded Stage One UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation in April 2012. We received our 'Certificate of Commitment' in May 2011 and plan to become a full accredited Baby Friendly Unit in 2015. Details of our award can be found on the UNICEF website via www.babyfriendly.org.uk where you will find evidence based practical information about both breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Your Rights as Parents - “You choose, We support”

This Trust supports the right of all parents to make informed choices about infant feeding. All Trust staff will support you in your decision. We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and we recognise the important health and emotional benefits which breastfeeding provides for both you and your child. We therefore encourage you to breastfeed your baby. 

Ways in Which We Will Help You to Feed Your Baby Successfully

• All the staff have been specially trained to help you to breastfeed your baby.

• During your pregnancy, you will be able to discuss breastfeeding individually with a Midwife or Health Visitor who will answer any questions you may have.

• You will have the opportunity to hold your new baby against your skin soon after birth however you intend to feed your baby. The staff will not interfere or hurry you but will be there to support you and to help you with your first breastfeed. Even if you want to formula feed later on your baby will benefit from every drop of breastmilk you feel able to give.

• A Midwife will be available to explain how to put your baby to the breast correctly and to help with feeds while you are in hospital.

• You will be shown how to express your breastmilk and you will be given written information on this which you can refer to once you are home.

• Most babies do not need to be given anything other than breastmilk for their first six months. If for some reason your baby needs some other feed, this will be explained to you by the staff before you are asked to give your permission.

• Normally, your baby will be with you at all times. If any medical procedures are necessary, you will always be invited to accompany your baby.

• You will be encouraged to feed your baby whenever he or she seems to be hungry.

• We recommend that you avoid using bottles, dummies and nipple shields while your baby is learning to breastfeed. This is because they can change the way your baby sucks, meaning that it can be more difficult for your baby to breastfeed successfully.

• Before you leave hospital, you will be given a list of telephone numbers of people who can provide extra help and support with breastfeeding when you are at home.

• If you cannot breastfeed, or have made a fully informed choice not to breastfeed, we will respect that choice and provide you with information and support to minimise the risks of formula feeding. We will support you to enjoy a positive, loving and responsive feeding experience with your baby.  This is your guide to the Trust’s Infant Feeding policy. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to see the full policy. If you have a specific query please contact the Infant Feeding Co-ordinators Luisa Lyons or Katie Phillips on 01603 286058.

Breast feeding volunteers

The hospital has a number of Volunteer Breastfeeding Helpers who act as a “well informed friend” or mentor to new mothers and are on hand to offer support, listen to any mother’s experiences and worries, and give advice on aspects of breast feeding and skin to skin contact.

The volunteers have all undertaken training provided by The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) Charity, completed a nationally recognised qualification with the Open College Network and a  Breastfeeding Management course, to UNICEF standards. One of the volunteers has also been trained up as a “Breastfeeding Supporter,” an advanced qualification from that of a “Helper”.

Further support groups

Please click on the website links and advice leaflets including a list of support groups in the left hand panel for more information.

You can also view a map of breastfeeding support groups in the area online at www.norfolk.nhs.uk/breastfeeding-map or you can call the NHS Norfolk Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 4132 to find a group near you, or contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 or online at www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk.  

If you would like more information on a healthy lifestyle, such as stopping smoking or reducing your weight, you can contact “Norfolk’s Living Well”. Their helpline is open 9-5pm Monday to Friday, call 0344 8008029 or online at: www.norfolkslivingwell.org.uk on Twitter @NflksLivingWell and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorfolksLivingWell