Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and provides ongoing protection for both mother and baby. Maternal breastmilk also provides additional protection to infants born preterm or unwell, which cannot be replicated with any other milk or medication.
In the Neonatal Unit
Whilst your baby is in the Neonatal Unit, the Neonatal Staff will support you to provide your breastmilk and transition to oral feeding when your baby is ready.
Additional information can be found in the links below:
- Feeding your baby | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website
- Feeding your baby – Northern Health and Social Care Trust
- Breastfeeding in the early days | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
- Feeding Your Baby – South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
- Breastfeeding Information | Western Health & Social Care Trust
- Breastfeeding a sick or premature baby | Breastfed Babies
- TinyLife – Northern Ireland’s Premature and Vulnerable Baby Charity
When you leave the Neonatal Unit
Following discharge from the Neonatal unit, if you require additional/ specialist breastfeeding support please speak with your Community Midwife or Health visitor who will be able to advise you and if required refer you to the relevant Specialist Infant Feeding Lead.
Additional support can also be found at your local breastfeeding support group which can be found using the link below.
There are also national voluntary helplines and organisations:
- La Leche League:
- National helpline :03451202918
- Local support helpline: 028 95818118
- Website: http://www.laleche.org.uk
- Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/llln
- National Breastfeeding Helpline (9.30am- 9.30pm): 0300 100 0212
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT):
- Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 3300 771 (8am – MIDNIGHT)
- Enquiry Line: 0300 3300 770
- Website: nct.org.uk
- Association Of Breastfeeding Mothers:
- Helpline (9.30am –10.30pm): 0300 330 5453
- Website: www.abm.me.uk
- Breastfeeding Network:
- Helpline (9.30am –9.30pm): 0300 100 0210
- Website: breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk