Thursday 14 November 2024
Salisbury Foundation Trust

Breastfeeding

The way you feed your baby is one of the most important decisions that you will make as a parent. Breastfeeding makes a real difference to your health and your baby’s health. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. You are also encouraged to continue breastfeeding while weaning your baby onto solid foods from the age of six months.

Benefits for breastfed babies include:

  • Breast milk is easily digested which is why breast-fed babies feed frequently.
  • It is balanced to suit their needs and protects them against ear infections, chest infections and tummy bugs.
  • It may also protect against allergies and diabetes and reduce the risk of cot death (sudden infant death syndrome).

Benefits for mothers who breastfeed include:

  • A reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and hip fractures due to osteoporosis in later life.
  • Helps mothers to lose weight after having a baby.

It may take patience, practice and support to get breastfeeding off to a good start, but almost all women who want to breastfeed are able to do so. Your midwife will discuss your plan to feed with you throughout your pregnancy and will be there for your first feed to support you and ensure you are relaxed, comfortable and not rushed.

Colostrum harvesting & milk expression
Position and attachment
Skin to skin

Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.

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Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ
T: 01722 336262 E: sft.pals@nhs.net
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