When you’re pregnant, you’ll hear about how to feed and care for your baby. You’ll learn that breastfeeding is good for both of you. Your midwife is there to talk to you about your options and help you with your choices, whether you want to breastfeed or formula milk feed your baby.
You also do not have to choose one or the other. It is possible to breastfeed and formula-feed your baby if you wish to. This is known as combination feeding, or mixed feeding.
After your baby is born, you can hold them skin-to-skin for as long as you want. Skin-to-skin contact is a simple but powerful way to bond with your newborn. It’s good for your baby’s health and yours. Both parents can do it, starting right after birth. Tell your birth team ahead of time if you want to do skin-to-skin. You can also write it in your birth plan.
When your baby is ready to feed, your midwife will help you start breastfeeding or show you how to bottle feed your baby safely. Your baby will stay with you unless they need special care.
Building a happy baby and strong relationships is important for a baby’s health and wellbeing. We will help you to feed your baby in a way that supports that.
