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Feeding your baby

Mother breastfeeding her baby

Pregnancy is time for choices and decisions and one of those choices is whether you are going to breastfeed your baby or give formula milk.

At Epsom and St Helier we believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way you can feed your baby as this is specifically designed to meet the needs of your new son or daughter.

Most formula milks are made from cows' milk and altered so that it is nutritionally adequate, but it doesn't provide the health benefits that your own breastmilk can offer to both of you.

In this section we give you some important information where there is strong evidence about the reasons why we, as midwives, doctors and paediatricians at Epsom and St Helier recommend you breastfeed your baby. These will also be further discussed at your antenatal appointment.

We also understand it is your choice and that it has a lot to do with you and your partner's feelings and the attitude of your family and friends.

The most important thing to know is that you will be supported and assisted in whatever decision you make.

  • Breastfeeding The maternity unit at St Helier Hospital encourages breastfeeding as there are many health benefits to both you and your baby.
  • A fantastic breastfeeding resource Our Trust supports the work of child health charity Best Beginnings and would like to encourage our expectant and new mothers to watch their DVD - 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' - which follows real mothers across the UK in their journey from pregnancy to birth to breastfeeding their new babies.
  • Breastfeeding support clinics We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and we recognise the important benefits which breastfeeding provides for both you and your child. To help new mothers and mothers-to-be, we run drop-in breast feeding clinics offering support and advice.

More information

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