Feeding your new baby whilst in hospital

You do not have to decide how you will feed your baby before your baby is born.

NHS Trusts maternity units will support you however you choose to feed your baby, with early feeds and by encouraging skin to skin contact.

Take a look at this video about The Golden Hour and your baby’s first feed.

This video was not produced by Health for Under 5’s and may contain adverts.

The majority of NHS Trusts don’t supply formula milk for well babies during their hospital stay, however they may have emergency supplies if there is a medical reason for giving your baby formula milk.

If you would like to breastfeed, you will be offered support and advice, and there is no need to bring bottles and formula milk with you.

If you would like to formula feed then you will need to bring in a first milk starter pack.  These can be purchased from most supermarkets and include six ready to feed bottles with teats. You will need to use approximately 8 bottles in 24 hours.

Avoid taking in larger packs of ready-made milk as many NHS facilities are unable to store them safely.

Staff will support you to make the right choice for you and your baby. Talk to your midwife, who will give you more information and leaflets about feeding choices.

Useful links

• Health for Under 5s- Baby feeding and nutrition
• NHS Website: Breastfeeding: the first few days
• NHS Start 4 Life: Guide to bottle feeding your baby