Infant feeding in Richmond

• Breastfeeding Assessment and Responsive Breastfeeding 
• Videos on breastfeeding – available in multiple languages
• Overcoming breastfeeding problems

• UNICEF - Hand expressing video 
• Expressing and storing breastmilk 
• UNICEF – Expression Assessment Form

• Breastfeeding Network: drugs factsheets  
• Facebook Drugs in breastmilk information service 

• Responsive bottle feeding and Infant Formula   
• Better Health Start for Life Guide to bottle feeding 
• Information about formula prep machines, hot taps and baby kettles 
• UNICEF – Bottle Feeding Assessment Tool

• Love me, grow my brain
• Building a happy baby
• The importance of skin to skin

You don’t need to stop breastfeeding just because you’re returning to study or work. Many women find ways to continue breastfeeding their baby – and employers have certain obligations towards breastfeeding women.

• Breastfeeding and return to work or study
• Returning to work or study - The Breastfeeding Network
• Breastfeeding and going back to work - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For more information please visit the NHS guidance on breastfeeding in public and breastfeeding while out and about on the Maternity action website.

Children’s centres are places where all families with children under 5 years, expectant mothers and fathers, can go to help their children to get the best start in life. Please click here to see what sessions are available near you.

A member of the Health Visitor Team will visit you at home between 10-14 days following the birth of your baby. Sometimes additional visits may be offered if required. A further contact will be arranged when your baby is 6 weeks old.

The health visitor will let you know about the child health clinics, breastfeeding support groups and children's centres activities and other baby groups and sessions in your area. They will also complete a breastfeeding assessment form with you, a copy of which can be found here.

Introducing solid foods to your baby can be an exciting but also daunting time. Your health visiting team is available to help you with advice and discuss any concerns you may have. Call the duty line on 0330 058 1679 or visit a Well Baby and Child Health Clinic.

For health reasons, we recommend that babies are fed solely on breast milk or infant formula for the first six months.

Here are some helpful resources to support you and your baby with introduction to solid foods:

• CLCH Introduction to solids leaflet
• Eating well in the first year - First Steps Nutrition 
• First Steps Nutrition Eating Well Resources
• Watch Introduction to solid foods video

Safer sleep for babies resources:

• Safer sleep for babies: The Lullaby Trust guide for parents
• Baby sleep information source (Basis)

You can download the Basis app where you can find further information on safe sleeping practices for you and your baby.

You can also download The Baby Check app by The Lullaby Trust which features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness and further information regarding safer sleeping practices.

CLCH have produced a video about normal sleep and how to promote sleep in the antenatal period as well as the postnatal period, up to the first six months.

Infant crying is normal and it will stop.

A baby’s cry can be upsetting and frustrating. It is designed to get your attention and you may be worried that something is wrong with your baby. Your baby may start to cry more frequently at about 2 weeks of age. The crying may get more frequent and last longer during the next few weeks, hitting a peak at about 6 to 8 weeks. Every baby is different, but after about 8 weeks, babies start to cry less and less each week.

If you are doing any breastfeeding, we encourage you to do responsive breastfeeding. This means offering your baby the breast when they are distressed, fractious, or appears lonely and when they show signs of hunger (see more information including pictures of hunger cues under the “Additional Breastfeeding information” tab). Breastfeeding can also help settle your crying baby after an immunisation, if your baby is unwell or to reassure them in an unfamiliar environment.

• Responsiveness will not spoil babies.

Some additional calming techniques you can try:

• Talk calmly, hum or sing to your baby  
• Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
• Hold them close – skin to skin
• Go for a walk outside with your baby
• Give them a warm bath

These techniques may not always work. It may take a combination or more than one attempt to soothe your baby.

For more information, advice and support see:

• Infant crying and how to cope
• ICON website “Infant crying is normal, Comforting methods can help, its OK to walk away, Never ever shake a baby.
• CRY-SIS - National Help Line: 08451 228669. Lines open 7 days a week, 9am-10pm.

Remember – if you are concerned that your baby may be unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111 (go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111- the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In an emergency, ring 999.

Healthy Start

Please check the NHS Healthy Start website to see if you are eligible to receive free vitamins and money to buy healthy foods and milk. You could be eligible to receive £4.25 per week during pregnancy and continued payments until your child is 4. Visit the NHS Healthy Start website to find out more.

If you are eligible for Healthy Start you can collect your free Healthy Start Vitamins at Wandsworth Children Centres (bring your Healthy Start Card):

• Healthy Start Application
• NHS Vitamins for Children

• NHS Vitamins for Children
• Healthy Start Application