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Information on COVID-19 is a rapidly changing but current evidence suggests that it is safe to breastfeed and continue to offer breastmilk. In fact, breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants and provides protection against many illnesses. If you have confirmed COVID-19 or have symptoms you should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your baby, including washing your hands before touching your baby, sterilising any breast pump or bottles and washing your hands after changing their nappy.

If available, wear a face mask while feeding your baby at the breast. If you are too unwell to breastfeed you may still be able to express milk for your baby (see the information in the “babyhood and beyond” section”. Pump equipment and bottles need to be sterilised according to manufacturers instructions.

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You’ve been breastfeeding for a few months now, well done! Growth spurts, changes in routine (e.g. starting solids, returning to work) can change breastfeeding patterns. It’s OK to keep responding to your baby’s needs for breastfeeding - it’s not just food! Here are lots of links to support your continued breastfeeding journey, including information on expressing, starting solid goods, returning to work/study, benefits of breastfeeding beyond babyhood and even a video of mums sharing their experiences.

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This joint statement from the royal colleges has lots of important information on pregnancy, birth and infant feeding during the current Covid-19 situation

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Access the web version of the guidance on the MAGICapp platform
Version 16.0: updated Thursday 15 December 2022. Guidance for healthcare professionals on coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy, including guidance on vaccination in pregnancy, published by the RCOG, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Public Health England and Public Health Scotland. Updates made to this guidance are detailed within the document.

This document is for healthcare professionals.

We have also prepared information for pregnant women and their families, drawn from this guidance.

Further information for healthcare professionals and pregnant women eligible for COVID-19 vaccination is available from our COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy page.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19), infection in pregnancy

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Access the web version of the guidance on the MAGICapp platform Version 16.0: updated Thursday 15 December 2022. Guidance for healthcare professionals on coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy, including guidance on vaccination in pregnancy, published by the RCOG, Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Public Health England and Public Health Scotland.

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With more than 1 in 10 women developing a mental illness in the perinatal period, it’s even more important in these uncertain times that women during pregnancy and following childbirth are able to access the support and care they and their families need. The link below has a whole host of resources for families, health care professionals, and ways we can all look after our mental wellbeing.

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Outbreaks of disease, like coronavirus (Covid-19), can understandably cause worry. In support, many Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) members have offered guidance to help us all look after our mental wellbeing.

Whilst not all of the information is specific to the perinatal period, we hope these sources are helpful.

On this page:

1. Looking after your health health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak

2. Guidance for new and expectant parents

3. Guidance for health professionals

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak

The Mental Health Foundation have developed some tips to help people look after their mental health at a time when there is much discussion about our physical health. Tips include:

1. Avoid speculation and focus on reputable sources

2. Try to stay connected

3. Manage how you follow the outbreak in the media.

Mind have also produced information to help people cope if they're feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus, particularly if asked to stay at home or self-isolate.

Guidance for new and expectant parents

Emotional support

New or amended initiatives have been set up by various members to offer support to women and families online and over the phone. Please see what's on offer from organisations including:

Our support page has an extensive list of other organisations offering support online and over the phone if you, or someone you know, are experiencing difficulties.

Health during and after pregnancy

The Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have co-published coronavirus information for pregnant women and their families.

Alliance member Tommy's has also shared some FAQs which are being regularly updated in response to latest recommendations from the NHS and Royal Colleges. Their midwives are also still answering questions via email and social media.

Practical information

Maternity Action have compiled helpful facts about coronavirus and rights at work during pregnancy, in response to the Government's advice about self-isolation.

Guidance for health professionals

Perinatal mental health

The Royal College of Psychiatrists have produced COVID-19 guidance for clinicians working in community and inpatient services, including perinatal mental health teams and Mother and Baby Units (see second drop-down for detail).

Maternity

A well as information for pregnant women and their families, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have published guidance for healthcare professionals on coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy, with support from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland.
Please note that the MMHA is not responsible for the content of any of the links above but hopes that they may provide comfort and help at this time.

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MMHA members offer reassurance amid coronavirus outbreak

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Outbreaks of disease, like coronavirus (Covid-19), can understandably cause worry. In support, many Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) members have offered guidance to help us all look after our mental wellbeing. Whilst not all of the information is specific to the perinatal period, we hope these sources are helpful.

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Introducing your baby to solid foods, often called weaning onto foods, should start when your baby is around 6 months old. It’s a really important step in your baby’s development and it can be great fun to explore new flavours and textures together. This booklet is here to help guide you through this exciting time, so you can be sure you’re giving your baby a healthy start in life.

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Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old. Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We’re here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means. We’ve got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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If you live in the Dudley borough you can find some specific services relating to infant feeding here. If you live in Birmingham and the Black Country, scroll down this column for services in your area that may also welcome Dudley families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The links below provide a whole range of things you can read about and prepare for while you're getting ready to meet your baby. From videos, to leaflets, the links cover where your baby should sleep, responsive feeding, building a happy baby, hand expression and you can even see videos from real families sharing their experiences from pregnancy right through to toddlerhood and beyond,

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There are so many great resources out there, and we’ve linked a few here. Maternal mental health, disabled parenting, birth trauma, premature babies and baby loss are all covered in the links below. However you are feeling, there are plenty of websites and phone lines to help. If you need urgent help, you can call your HV, midwife, GP or in an emergency, 999.

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Your baby is here! Breastfeeding can take a while to get the hang of, these links will take you through positioning your baby, getting them attached to your breast, hand expressing, how to know when baby is ready for a feed, what to look for in nappies and signs of an effective feed. Remember, in your baby’s red book you have a breastfeeding assessment page that you can look through yourself, you can call your HV or midwife for further support (see the Local Support section for Dudley specific information). There are also the national helplines listed at the bottom of this column, and some information if your baby is born prematurely or poorly.

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The LullabyTrust has lots of useful information around safer sleep, dummies, room temperature, cosleeping and lots more.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back, in a bare cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

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The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families

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Florence is your friendly, informative breastfeeding friend in your pocket. Ask your midwife to sign you up from 28 weeks pregnant to receive FREE text messages to support you with feeding from pregnancy right through to 6 weeks postnatal.

This video shows two of our amazing midwives and two lovely mommies talking about what it is and what it means to them.

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Dudley is lucky to have 4 trained Community Breastfeeding Support Workers. They can offer home visits (currently suspended due to Covid-19) and telephone support for families in the Dudley borough.

How to contact the CBSWs:

1. Through community messages on 01384 244358
2. Through the specialist midwives on 01384 456111 ex 3887 or bleep 5050

Both are available Monday-Friday 9-5 (excluding bank holidays)

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The Early Help and Family Information Service Directory contains lots of information about childcare settings, local family support organisations and leisure facilities in and around the Dudley Borough.

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Pre & Postnatal Depression Advice and Support

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Pre & Postnatal Depression Advice and Support

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Helpline: 0808 1961 776

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Birth Trauma Association
Email: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

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"I was broken after the birth of my son. My journey to healing started after finding the BTA. It was the first time I felt hope that I would get better, and that I wasn't alone."

- BTA Facebook group member, 2023

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BTA is the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to supporting women and families who have experienced traumatic birth. We work to support parents and families, improve parents' experience of birth, and engage with health professionals and research.

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Urgent help

If you, your partner or family think that you have symptoms of postpartum psychosis you need to be seen urgently. If you have been told during pregnancy that you have a high risk of postpartum psychosis you may have a care plan. This should include emergency contact numbers for your mental health team or local crisis service.

You may not have this type of plan, or you may not have had any mental illness before. In that case you should see your GP urgently (the same day). If this is not possible, call NHS 111, your local out of hours service, or attend your local A&E department. If you are told you do not have postpartum psychosis but your symptoms worsen, you should make sure you are seen again. If you think there is imminent danger, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Most women with postpartum psychosis need to be treated in hospital. Ideally you should be offered a bed in a Mother & Baby Unit (MBU). This is a specialist psychiatric unit where mothers with mental illness are admitted with their babies. You will be supported in caring for your baby whilst you have the care and treatment you need.

There are many parts of the country with no Mother and Baby Unit. Even where there are MBUs, there may not be a bed available. You may be admitted to a general psychiatric ward. If that happens, your partner or family will need to care for your baby. If you have nobody else who can look after your baby, social workers can find a temporary carer. This will only be until an MBU bed is available or until you are well enough to care for your baby yourself. You may choose to be admitted to a general ward if the nearest specialist MBU is far from your home.

Help in caring for my baby

During the severe part of the illness you will probably need help caring for your baby. You are likely to need practical help. You may also need help to bond with your baby. Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) staff are trained to support you with all aspects of caring for your baby. If you do not go to an MBU, there are people who can help and support you once you go home. These include health visitors and mental health professionals. There may be a local perinatal or parent-infant mental health service. In some areas Children's Centre staff or and voluntary organisations can also help.

It is normal to lack confidence with mothering after postpartum psychosis. Remember that most new mothers who have not had an illness also feel like this. You may find it hard to attend mother and baby groups when recovering from postpartum psychosis. Health visitors and community psychiatric nurses can give you one to one advice until you feel up to attending groups with other mothers.

Some mothers have difficulty bonding with their babies after an episode of postpartum psychosis. This can be very distressing. Usually these problems don't last long. Most women who have had postpartum psychosis go on to have very good relationships with their babies. Talk to your health visitor or other professionals involved in your care. They can tell you what help is available in your area. Health professionals can support you in learning how to interact with and respond to your baby. You may find baby massage and other groups for new parents helpful.

Care and support for you during recovery

Allow your partner, family or friends to help and support you while you get better (see the partners section).

Usually you will need to have care from a mental health service until you fully recover. This team can advise you about treatment. They can support you and your family. You may have care from a perinatal or parent-infant mental health service.

These specialist teams do not exist in all areas. In that case your local community mental health team, health visitor and GP will continue to support you whilst you recover.

For further information about treatment or recovering from postpartum psychosis (PP) see our APP guides. Through APP you can talk to other women who have recovered from PP using our Peer Support Network or Facebook page. We have put together a list of resources where you can gain further information about PP and links to other useful organisations. For those needing expert consultation with a psychiatrist, find out more about the Cardiff University Psychiatry Service.

Watch Dr Angela Walsh discussing St Georges Mother & Baby Unit

*Please note: the phone number shown at the end of the video is no longer active. Please contact us if you have any specific questions.

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If you, your partner or family think that you have symptoms of postpartum psychosis you need to be seen urgently. If you have been told during pregnancy that you have a high risk of postpartum psychosis you may have a care plan. This should include emergency contact numbers for your mental health team or local crisis service.

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APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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Association for Post-Natal Illness and Post Natal Depression. APNI relies solely on the generosity of the public to fund our charity.

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Email: askus@familylives.org.uk

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Parentline family support and bullying helpline | Family Lives

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Free and confidential family support and bullying helpline from Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus). Free and confidential from landlines and most mobiles 0808 800 2222. Alternatively, you can email us at askus@familylives.org.uk for advice and support.

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What does 'perinatal' mean?

'Perinatal' means the period of time covering your pregnancy and up to roughly a year after giving birth. It's made up of two parts:

You might have also heard terms used to describe the time specifically before or after giving birth, such as:

postnatal or postpartum meaning 'after birth'

antenatal or prenatal meaning 'before birth'

There's no right or wrong word to describe the period of time around pregnancy and after birth, and you might hear your doctor or midwife use any of these.

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'Perinatal' means the period of time covering your pregnancy and up to roughly a year after giving birth.

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Supporting families through Perinatal related mental illnesses

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Raindrops to Rainbows provides support to families affected by Perinatal related Mental Illnesses. Our aim is to raise awareness and see that all families have access to the correct support.

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Practical information and peer support for disabled parents

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Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood: Information and support for disabled parents and professionals

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Dppi publishes information and stories that draw attention to the concerns of disabled parents and to relevant sources of information. We stimulate debate about parenting issues and promote the expertise of disabled parents.

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Kabie Brook, an autistic parent and chairperson/co-founder of Autism Rights Group Highland (), gives advice for professionals on how to support autistic parents. This article first appeared in Your Autism Magazine.
Download a PDF of this article
Author: Kabie Brook
Supporting autistic parents
Autism needs to be recognised as a fact without prejudice. If you work with children, and autistic children in particular, you will come across autistic parents. Some will disclose and some will not: this is their choice and should be respected. You should also consider that some people will not have identified that they are autistic themselves.

It is important to acknowledge that you will work with autistic parents at some point, and to understand what this means for you in terms of legal requirements and obligations. As autistic parents, we love our children no less than and parent with as much love and concern as others.

Our insight about our children's needs should be invaluable to you, too. If you are receptive to making adjustments and accept that your understanding of situations may be different to the autistic person (just as theirs is to yours), it will be much easier to work together to do what's best for everyone.

Many autistic parents will struggle with professional interruption to routine, having to meet new people, home visits, arranging appointments that fit into existing routines, and even the system of appointment making. Have patience and respect for the disruption you are causing to autistic parents, as you would for an autistic child.

Being observed with the worry that we may be judged unfairly may also cause anxiety. We have spent so much of our lives being told that we're getting it wrong just because we are different. Behaving naturally in an unfamiliar environment may be impossible.

Another common misunderstanding comes from a tendency for many autistic people to be very "solution-focused'. This can be misunderstood because it means talking about problems often isn't our primary concern. If something needs to be discussed in detail, it's helpful to explain why this is necessary. Don't assume that we will just know. Everyone is different and the most important thing that you can do is to listen and believe us when we ask for adaptations or say that we are struggling with something. It's always good to keep in mind the basic checklist below, which are relevant to both adults and children. They may affect people more or less: we are all different!
Checklist for professionals
1.Avoid wearing strong perfumes, fabric softener with a lingering scent or jangly jewellery. These can be distancing, painful, or may make it hard for someone to be in the room with you.

2.Give people multiple options for how to contact you. Some people will struggle with the phone or not use it at all.

3.Offer choice for appointment times. Some people may prefer the first appointment of the day to reduce the risk of long waiting times.

4.Provide alternative waiting areas. Some people may be okay to wait but not in the designated waiting area. Offer a quiet space or let them wait outside and text them when it's their turn.

5.Remind them of their appointment. A text alert reminder the day before or that morning may help to avoid missed appointments.

6.Have flexible lighting. If your room has artificial lighting, have an uplighter available that can be used instead of the main lights.

7.Have alternatives to group activities. Be aware that requests to take part in them may induce stress and may not be suitable for everyone.

8.Support follow-up work. If you're asking people to implement new strategies at home or 'do things' like make a chart or keep a diary, be aware that this may be very difficult and require support. Someone who struggles with this is not choosing to disengage or be difficult.

9.Do provide summaries. To-the-point, information-based written records of discussion and outcomes will help to back up any verbal instructions and create shared understanding and agreement.

Date added: 30 October 2017

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Kabie Brook, an autistic parent and chairperson/co-founder of Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH), gives advice for professionals on how to support autistic parents. This article first appeared in Your Autism Magazine. Download a PDF of this article Author: Kabie Brook Supporting autistic parents Autism needs to be recognised as a fact without prejudice.

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Skip to content

Help for disabled single parents

Single parents are more likely to have a disability than other people in the UK. Around 1 in 4 (27%) single parent households has a disabled adult, compared with around a fifth (21%) of couple parent households in the UK. This page looks at support available to you if you are a single parent who is disabled.

We use the social model of disability, which acknowledges that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference. For more information on this, we recommend Scope's website and Mind's page on disability.

Parenting as a disabled person

As rewarding as being a single parent can be, it is also often difficult, and having a disability can create additional challenges that you need support with. Like any parent, these challenges will vary depending on your personal circumstances, and many disabled parents come up with innovative solutions to problems they face. However some disabled single parents say they often feel isolated or overwhelmed. It is important to seek out support that you need and to realise you are not alone. There are many other disabled single parents out there going through something similar.

There are many charities out there which provide specialist advice, care, and support for particular forms of disability. It is well worth seeing what these charities have to offer to you. If they provide a meetup group or online community it can be invaluable to talk with other people who have similar experiences to yourself, especially to fellow parents. You can also talk with other single parents on Gingerbread's online forum or by joining one of our local groups.

Ableize and Supportline provide lists of the many charities and services that support disabled people in the UK. You may also find other relevant organisations through online searching.

You can also contact the Gingerbread helpline to receive signposting to local services which you might find helpful. Deaf and speech impaired callers can access the Gingerbread helpline via the NGT Text relay service. Text users can prefix their call with 18002.

Emotional support

As rewarding as being a parent can be, there are some times which are really difficult. If you feel that you are struggling or unhappy it is better to ask for help sooner rather than a later. Our page on Looking After Your Wellbeing has links to many different organisations and services that can help you, depending on what you are dealing with.

When things are getting on top of you, talking to someone you trust can really help. Friends or family may not realise the full extent of how you are feeling, and opening up can be the first step in getting help from them. If you don't have family and friends that you can talk to, or you would prefer to speak to someone outside of your family and friends, try social networks such as a community of people with a similar disability, or a parenting community such as Gingerbread's online forums, Netmums, or Dad.info.

If you are worried about discussing your disability with new friends, Scope has advice for talking about your impairment when meeting new people or when starting a new relationship.

If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, the Mind Infoline offers a range of advice and helpful support. You can also talk to your GP.

You might want to share your experiences and get support from friends or other single parents. Joining a group like a Gingerbread friendship group or chatting to other single parents in our online forums can be helpful and supportive.

Scope's blog also has many stories written by disabled parents, which you may find helpful or inspiring.

Benefits for People who have an illness or disability

You may already be claiming a benefit because of illness or disability, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can read more information on these benefits on our page ' If you have a disability or a health issue'.

Contributory and Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) & Universal Credit

If you are unable to work due to illness or disability, and have paid enough National Insurance Contributions you may be able to claim contributory or ' new style' ESA, if you are not entitled to statutory sick pay from your employer. You may also be able to claim additional means-tested benefits including income-related ESA, Housing Benefit , and Council Tax Reduction.

If you are not entitled to contributory ESA and are making a new claim for a benefit because you have limited capability for work, you may need to claim the new benefit known as Universal Credit. Universal Credit has generally replaced new claims for income-related ESA, although there are certain circumstances when it's still possible to make a new claim for income-related ESA. If you are currently claiming income-related ESA it is likely that you will be moved over to Universal Credit at some point in the next few years. You can read more about this in our Universal Credit section, and the Money Advice Service's guide to Universal Credit for disabled people.

You can get advice on your benefit options and other practical information about being a single parent by calling our free helpline.

Work Capability Assessments

When you make a claim for contributory ESA or Universal Credit on the grounds of limited capability for work due to illness or disability, you may be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment to assess how your health condition affects your ability to work.

You will be assessed as being in one of the following categories:

you are fit for work

you have limited capability for work - which means that although you may be unable to work now, you can prepare to work at some time in the future

you have limited capability for work and work-related activity - which means that you won't be asked to look for work or prepare for work.

You can read more about the work capability assessment at Disability Rights UK.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If you need help with everyday tasks or getting around, and are between the ages of 16 and 65, you may qualify for Personal independence payment (PIP). This is not a means-tested benefit, meaning it isn't affected by your income or savings. Instead it is assessed based on your ability to carry out everyday tasks and your mobility. You can read more about this in Scope's guide to PIP.

Independent Living

Social Care

If you have a disability, you have the right to ask for a social care needs assessment to examine your health and social care needs. This assessment should also cover the support you need to carry out your responsibilities as a parent.

This can include getting help with:

home care help for things like cleaning and shopping

disability equipment and adaptations to your home

day care for your child

help with parenting, such as parenting classes

To prepare for your assessment it can be helpful to make a list of the kind of support you need, for example getting help with getting your child ready for school, getting specialised equipment like adapted pushchairs, or making changes to your home which would make life easier for you.

If you need help preparing for your assessment, you can contact your GP or other NHS service, the Citizens Advice Bureau, or a charity specialising in your disability.

Direct Payment

If your assessment determines that you are entitled to help from social services, you may choose to receive this in the form of direct payments. This means that you can organise and pay for your own care and support, instead of having them provided by a local authority. This includes arranging help from a professional carer or personal assistant.

Additional Support

You may also be able to access volunteer support, for example Home Start provides 2 hours of volunteer help a week for families with young children.

You may be able to apply for a grant to help you with independent living. The Disability Grants website can help you find these based on where you live in the UK. You can also use the grants search tool on our website.

Your rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for your employer or others to discriminate against you on a number of criteria, including being disabled or unwell. You also cannot be discriminated against for having parenting needs.

Under the act, employers, as well as others such as schools and service providers, must make reasonable adjustments to help you. These can include:

flexible working hours

providing special equipment or extra assistance to help you

making websites and other information available in a way that is accessible to you

wheelchair access

providing designated car parking spaces

making adjustments so that you can access a venue

Flexible working

Flexible working involves asking your employer to change or reduce your working hours so that they fit better with your parenting needs, such as childcare commitments, or attending appointments related to your disability . Any employee who has been working for the same employer for 26 weeks or more can ask for these changes. You can read more about this on our flexible working page and on the Working Families website.

Single parents and disabled parents can find it difficult to discuss their parenting needs with their employer, worrying that they will be treated differently. However, you have the same rights as any other parent and your employer has to take your request under consideration and make reasonable adjustments.

Disability Discrimination

Discrimination is divided into four broad types under the Equality Act 2010 - click below to find out more about each type. You can find out more about disability discrimination from Citizen's Advice or Disability Rights UK.

Indirect discrimination is when a workplace policy or practice is applied to everyone, but leaves a particular group at a disadvantage because of their needs.

For example, if an employer offered an incentive to employees who are able to drive, even though driving was not a requirement of the job, that would be indirect discrimination against people who cannot obtain a driving licence due to a mental health condition.

Direct discrimination is when an employer treats you differently and worse than someone else because of who you are. There are numerous protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including having disability.

An example of direct discrimination would be if two employees worked in the same position but one was paid less than the other, and the only difference was that the person being paid less had a disability.

Harassment is a form of illegal discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

It is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome behaviour which is meant to or has the effect of either:

violating your dignity, or

creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

This behaviour could include jokes, physical behaviour, gestures, written words, verbal abuse, or threats.

Find out more about what you can do about harassment from Citizen's Advice .

Victimisation is when you are badly treated because you have complained about discrimination or tried to help someone suffering from discrimination. Victimisation is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 and it is possible to take legal action if you are subject to victimisation.

You can find out more about workplace discrimination from Citizen's Advice .

Scope

Scope are the disability equality charity in England and Wales. They provide a wealth of information and emotional support for disabled people.

Visit Scope

Disability Rights UK

Disability Rights UK works for equal participation of disabled people. They are run by and for people with lived experience of disability or health conditions.

Visit Disability Rights UK

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Skip to content Single parents are more likely to have a disability than other people in the UK. Around 1 in 4 (27%) single parent households has a disabled adult, compared with around a fifth (21%) of couple parent households in the UK.

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Women's Aid

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Twin Trust (formally known as TAMBA)

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Twins Trust - We support twins, triplets and more...

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Supporting you through every milestone of your journey with twins, triplets or more. From being pregnant with twins, triplets or quads through to parenting twins, triplets or quads, we are here for you.

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Tommy's fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide pregnancy health information to parents.

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Tommy's hosts breakfast morning at the Foundling Museum

Tommy's spent yesterday morning at the charming Foundling Museum in London, celebrating the work of Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement alongside the opening of the museum's new exhibition, 'Portraying Pregnancy'.

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Tommy's spent yesterday morning at the charming Foundling Museum in London, celebrating the work of Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement alongside the opening of the museum's new exhibition, 'Portraying Pregnancy'.

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BLISS - A charity for parents born premature or sick.
Email: hello@bliss.org.uk

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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Our vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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For information on feeding your baby at this time  please click on image below to visit the  UNICEF website

Statement on infant feeding during COVID-19 outbreak

Maximising breastmilk and relactation guidance

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Supporting Baby Friendly assessments during Covid-19

The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative has produced a series of statements on supporting Baby Friendly assessments during the Covid-19 outbreak. We recommend that all practitioners follow latest updates from the UK governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) as these could change as more information becomes available.

INFANT FEEDING AND COVID-19

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Statements on supporting Baby Friendly assessments during Covid-19 - Baby Friendly Initiative

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The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative has produced a series of statements on supporting Baby Friendly assessments during the Covid-19 outbreak. We recommend that all practitioners follow latest updates from the UK governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) as these could change as more information becomes available.

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This comprehensive link covers lots of frequently asked questions about breastfeeding and coronavirus, including symptoms, increasing breastmilk, breastfeeding with coronavirus, finding support, information if you're struggling to find formula and lots more

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This information about coronavirus and breastfeeding is checked regularly and will develop in response to guidelines and evidence. This page was last updated on 31th August 2022.

BfN's Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines while breastfeeding

This statement aims to address the questions we are receiving. It is for information only and not intended to promote the vaccine or replace advice from a healthcare professional.

If you are breastfeeding or giving your expressed milk, you can have any of the vaccines currently available in the UK as long as you meet the other conditions for receiving the vaccine, as set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). As with other vaccines, there is no evidence that anything other than antibodies passes into your breast milk. These antibodies are not harmful to your baby, and may give some protection against the virus. There is no need to avoid giving your baby your breast milk directly after you have the vaccine, either by missing breastfeeds, or expressing and dumping milk.

The JCVI has recommended that the vaccines can be received whilst breastfeeding. This is in line with recommendations from the USA and the World Health Organization.

FAQs - COVID-19, Vaccines and Breastfeeding, including information on the latest research

If you are feeling unwell and think you may have coronavirus, you can continue to feed and care for your baby as usual, if you are able to (see FAQ "Can I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?"). You should consider additional hygiene measures to avoid passing the infection to your baby.

The main points include:

Wash your hands before touching your baby, breast pump or bottles

Try to avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while feeding, whether breastfeeding or giving a bottle.*

Consider wearing a face mask while breastfeeding, bottle feeding or caring for your baby. If your baby is older it may be safer to leave your mask off to avoid them pulling at it and touching your secretions. Discuss options with your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Follow manufacturers recommendations for pump cleaning after each use.

If you are feeling too unwell to breastfeed directly consider asking someone who is well to feed your expressed breast milk to your baby.

If you choose to feed your baby with formula or expressed milk, it is important that you follow the sterilisation guidelines https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sterilising-bottles/ (link checked 26/04/22).

If you are expressing breast milk in hospital, a dedicated breast pump should be used. The hospital may have guidance about bringing the bottles into the neonatal unit

*This is to ensure good respiratory hygiene when close to your baby such as when feeding, or changing their nappy.

If you are feeling unwell, and have symptoms of coronavirus, the general information provided in these links should be helpful.

The NHS has information on what to do if you have coronavirus symptoms here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ (checked 31.08.22)

England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19 (checked 30.08.22)

Wales: https://gov.wales/coronavirus (checked 31.08.22)

Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ (checked 31.08.22)

Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19 (checked 31.08.22)

If you would like to know more about donor milk as an option while you are ill follow this link to find your nearest milk bank. Supplies are limited, they will do what they can. http://www.ukamb.org/

Some people report headaches, flu-like symptoms, general aches and pains, nausea, and gastrointestinal symptoms [1]. Taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated may help alleviate symptoms. Paracetamol can be taken as normal when pregnant or breastfeeding. See our Drugs in Breastmilk factsheets for more details and information on taking other medicines whilst breastfeeding or the FAQ "Can I take medicines for COVID-19 symptoms while I am breastfeeding?"

As some people report feeling tired in the day or two after the vaccine, you might want to have your vaccine when someone is around to help you care for your baby and bring them to you for feeding. If you usually express milk, you could express some extra ahead of time in case you want to use it. Remember that missing feeds may lower your supply and could lead to blocked ducts or mastitis.

If you believe you have experienced an adverse reaction to a vaccine, you can report this via the yellow card system: https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ (checked 31.08.22)

[1] Coronavirus vaccine - weekly summary of Yellow Card reporting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (Updated 04.08.22, checked 30.08.22)

If you are breastfeeding, you can have any of the licenced vaccines offered in the UK. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended for people aged under 40 and pregnant women [1, 2]. Children aged under 18 will only be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine [1].

One study has found that the SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA antibodies (which could provide breastfed infants with protection against COVID-19) were present more frequently in breastmilk after vaccination with the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA-based vaccines, compared with the Astra-Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vector-based vaccine. After the second dose, almost all participants who had the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA-based vaccines had this type of antibody in their breastmilk, compared to less than half of those who had two doses of Astra-Zeneca vaccine, or the single dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.

Additionally, a second type of antibody, IgG, was present in all participants after receiving two vaccine doses, independent of vaccine type. The researchers suggest that an mRNA-based vaccine may be the optimal choice for lactating women when they want to transfer antibodies to their infants. However, all vaccines provide protection against COVID-19 for the mother and result in some antibodies in breastmilk for most women. [3]

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/ (updated 21.07.22, checked 30.08.22)

[2] Mahase E. Covid-19: Pregnant women should be offered Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, says UK advisory committee BMJ 2021; 373 :n1013 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1013

[3] Juncker, H. G., Mulleners, S. J., Coenen, E. et al.(2022). Comparing Human Milk Antibody Response After 4 Different Vaccines for COVID-19. JAMA pediatrics, e220084. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0084

Vaccination is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding so you can have the jab, including boosters, as soon as you are invited. Vaccination during pregnancy may protect your baby from COVID-19 after birth, and vaccination whilst breastfeeding may provide passive antibody protection to your nursling via your breastmilk. See sections above on "Can vaccination in pregnancy protect my baby?" and "Can my breastmilk protect my baby from COVID-19?" for more information.

Pasteurised donor milk may be obtained from a milk bank. This remains safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through breastmilk [1]. Milk banks use rigorous screening, hygiene measures and pasteurisation to ensure the safety of the milk they supply [2]. Pasteurisation has been shown to leave intact protective antibodies to COVID-19 that may be present in the milk [3].

Priority is given to the sickest, most premature babies. Mothers with their own breastfeeding challenges may be able to get donor breastmilk if there are sufficient supplies. For more information, see

https://ukamb.org/ (checked 31.08.22)

https://heartsmilkbank.org/ (checked 31.08.22)

[1] Pietrasanta, C., Artieri, G., Ronchi, A., et al. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 infection and neonates: Evidence-based data after 18 months of the pandemic. Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 33 Suppl 27, 96-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13643

[2] https://heartsmilkbank.org/faqs/ (checked 31.08.22)

[3] Perez, S. E., Luna Centeno, L. D., Cheng, W. A. et al. (2022). Human Milk SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies up to 6 Months After Vaccination. Pediatrics, 149(2), e2021054260. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-054260

If your baby needs to be cared for in a Neonatal Unit (NICU) these links have general information and specific details about COVID-19.

Specific guidance can be seen on the British Association of Perinatal Medicine website, here: https://www.bapm.org/pages/182-perinatal-covid-19-resources (checked 31.08.22). It includes a document called "frequently asked questions within neonatal services" (last updated 13/01/22). This is detailed and written for clinicians.

The section "How do we manage provision of expressed breast milk (EBM) in the NNU when mother is SARS-Co-V positive?" states:

To date viral RNA has been reported only very rarely in fresh breast milk of COVID-19 confirmed mothers. The database is, however, small. The main risk of breastfeeding for the infant is the close contact with the mother, who is likely to share infective airborne droplets. National advice for well babies of COVID-19 suspected or confirmed mothers is that the benefits of breast feeding outweigh any theoretical risks.

For unwell or preterm babies in the NNU the evidence is less clear.

Practitioners should discuss with parents the pros and cons of provision of EBM to babies in the NNU, noting the current uncertainty. A joint decision should be informed by factors including the gestation and clinical condition of the baby, transfer of protective maternal antibodies, the availability of donor breast milk and parental choice. Other coronaviruses are destroyed by pasteurisation.

SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers who are expressing milk must be facilitated to practise excellent hand hygiene, and care taken to ensure that bottles containing EBM are not externally contaminated. The virus is deactivated by chlorine disinfectants. EBM of COVID-19 suspected or positive mothers should be stored in a separate fridge or freezer from that of non- suspected or negative mothers. NNUs should have clear guidelines around handling, storage and use of EBM in these circumstances and suspected/infected mothers should have exclusive use of a breast pump.

If it is decided to withhold mother's own breast milk, the mother should be encouraged to express and discard her milk, to maintain lactation until she is no longer considered infectious (10 days after onset of symptoms). Repeat testing of mother is not necessary. Parents should be signposted to appropriate feeding and emotional support during this period and reassured that breastfeeding can still take place after a period of using donor breast milk / formula if lactation is maintained.

Consider testing a sample of EBM for SARS-CoV-2 once lactation is established as this may help with future understanding of this virus.

Lactation is not a contra-indication to COVID-19 vaccination and breastfeeding mothers should be advised to continue breastfeeding after receiving vaccine.

Bliss has a detailed statement covering the care of babies in neonatal units during the pandemic, including what to do if a mother has symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive. (Statement updated 22.04.22, link accessed 31.08.22). This statement may be of help when discussing the care of your baby with staff on a neonatal unit.

BAPM guidance states that ''it is essential that the mother and her partner are never considered to be visitors within the neonatal unit - they are partners in their baby's care and their presence should be encouraged and facilitated as much as possible.'' The guidance also stresses the importance of parents being present together, unless this is clearly detrimental to other babies or staff, and that mothers and their babies should be considered 'the same biological entity'. Their guidance also notes that parental involvement in the delivery of basic tasks and their baby's care may prove beneficial to units where there are staffing pressures.

The Bliss statement explains that parents who have tested positive for COVID-19 may not be able to access the neonatal unit until they have completed self-isolation, but this should be discussed with the individual neonatal unit. Some units may have solutions to this, particularly in the case of end of life care, when every effort should be made to facilitate parental presence.

If you want to talk through any worries you have related to breastfeeding and COVID- then you can contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline. Trained volunteers will be able to offer you information and support. You can also talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor.

If your concern is linked to the vaccine or other medications, you can contact our Drugs in Breastmilk team, where trained volunteer pharmacists will be able to discuss your questions or worried with you.

There are a number of other organisations offering support to breastfeeding mothers, and many support groups are running again now. Details of peer support offered by The Breastfeeding Network can be found here. Information on other organisations offering support can be found here

Eye Infection and Breastfeeding
Eye Infection and Breastfeeding

Chickenpox and Breastfeeding
Chickenpox and Breastfeeding

Antibiotics and Breastfeeding
Antibiotics and Breastfeeding

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Coronavirus and breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

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Information on coronavirus (corona virus/Covid-19) and breastfeeding for mums and families in the UK

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This video link demonstrates how to position and attach a baby during breastfeeding

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Positioning and attachment

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There are many benefits of skin to skin contact. Sometimes called the "golden hour" skin to skin straight after birth (if possible) can be a lovely experience. You can keep doing lots of skin to skin snuggles with your baby whenever you get a chance - it can be a calming and relaxing time for both of you. Partners can do it too!

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Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies and mothers to develop close, loving parent-infant relationships and to initiate breastfeeding.

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Meeting you baby for the first time

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Meeting baby for the first time

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Responding to babies’ needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. Feeding responsively and keeping your babies close helps them become happy, healthy and secure children and adults.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

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This collection of information sheets are available in a range of languages

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Responsive feeding and close and loving relationships

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Responsive feeding and close and loving relationships

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This information discuss responsive feeding and how this helps build close and loving relationships with your baby

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It's normal for babies to wake frequently at night and want to breastfeed. This leaflet from UNICEF talks you through some things to expect and ways to cope.

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Essential guide to feeding and caring for your baby

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This excellent leaflet covers lots of key points around breastfeedingyour baby including photographs of attaching your baby to the breast, what you can expect in your baby's nappies, signs of effective feeding and how to know when to feed your baby

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Expression video / Resources available in alternative languages

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Expression video / Resources available in alternative languages

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Global health media breastfeeding videos are excellent their general website has a variety of resources available in different languages.

This additional video is a great demonstration of hand expression - you can find an additional link in the "preparing to breastfeed" column

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How to Express Your First Milk (for mothers) - Small Baby Series

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Breastfeeding and relationships in the early days

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Breastfeeding and relationships in the early days

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Hear from mothers and professionals, giving tips and advice on what it can mean to have a close and loving relationship with your new baby.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Breastfeeding and Relationship Building

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This video series covers breastfeeding from the start to challenges and suggestions to overcome these

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This information and videos are available in verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

Meet four prospective mums, Melissa, Maria, Teresa and Angela. Melissa has never been through labour - she had a caesarian-section with her previous child. For medical reasons Maria has to have a c-section; Teresa wants to give birth at home; and Angela is expecting her third child. We follow them as they prepare for their births.

All our mums have different birth experiences. Find out why skin-to-skin contact is so important and about breastfeeding for the first time. "It's a great feeling to be able to provide for him without anything else, just me myself," Angela says. Melissa's partner Andy says breastfeeding is healthy, cheaper and much less effort than making up bottles.

Angela is back home with baby Cameron and breastfeeding is going well. "It's a great feeling to be able to sit there and watch him feeding away. It's a really special bond," she says. Teresa is making sure she has plenty of contact with Rufus, ensuring her body is supplying enough milk for him. Breastfeeding can protect you against ovarian cancer and give you stronger bones in later life.

How to make sure your baby is attaching well at the breast.

Meet four mums whose babies have been breastfeeding for a little while and hear their experiences. Linda was troubled by breastfeeding outside the home - until she tried it. "I thought, 'nobody breastfeeds in public,'" she says. "What I realised is, loads of women breastfeed in public, you just don't realise it's happening."

Find out about overcoming challenges like uncomfortably full breasts and mastitis, and how to position your baby so he or she feeds properly.

Linda and Heidi have fed their babies breast milk for six months. Now their babies are ready to try their first solids.

Join a class with specialist midwife Bella Dale, who explains how breastfeeding works and how mums' bodies start preparing to feed their babies before birth.

Three mums tell us how they overcame hurdles with breastfeeding. Thomasina overcame sore nipples, while Lowri encountered mastitis, both of which were caused because their babies weren't attaching properly at the breast.

We meet three mothers who express their milk for different reasons and learnt how to do it in different ways. Find out techniques for expressing, different pumps and ways to store breast milk. We also discover how mothers fit breastfeeding into their return to work.

In their first few weeks, pre-term babies may be fed using a nasogastric tube. But as they progress they will begin to take milk feeds, usually through a tube into the baby's mouth or nose. Breast milk is best for many reasons. Find out why and how as we follow four mothers and their premature babies.

Follow three mothers as they share their tips on the joys and challenges of feeding twins.

Latest

The Impact Lead will focus on developing Best Beginnings' frameworks for monitoring and evaluating our national and international work ensuring that learning continues to be captured in ways that can be shared and used for effective advocacy and influencing. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role influencing policy and its implementation within the maternity, early years, digital health and public health context.

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Your guide to breastfeeding and how to do it successfully.

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This is an essential skill that you can start from 36weeks pregnant and is useful once baby is born

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

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This checklist from UNICEF goes through some of the signs that breastfeeding is effective and some things that you may need to discuss with your midwife or health visitor. It also shows you what you can expect from your baby's nappies at different ages.

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Small Wonders are 12 bite-size films following families and their journey in neo-natal units.

Topics covered:

Birth

First hours

Expressing breast milk

Holding your baby

Your time in hospital

Feeding independently

Preparing for home

First months at home

Twins and triplets

Bereavement

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Watch Small Wonders videos here
Supporting you when your baby is sick or premature
More than 1 in every 10 UK babies is born prematurely or sick. As well as professional support there's so much that only you as a parent can do to make a real difference to your baby's chances of growing up fit and strong.

It can be very distressing to be told when you're pregnant that your baby is likely to be born prematurely, however there are so many ways you can make a real difference to their health and wellbeing.

Small Wonders are 12 bite-size films following families and their journey in neo-natal units.
Topics covered:

Birth

First hours

Expressing breast milk

Holding your baby

Your time in hospital

Feeding independently

Preparing for home

First months at home

Twins and triplets

Bereavement

What is Small Wonders?
Seeing how other parents have coped in a similar situation can be comforting. Seeing them become involved in their baby's care can help you feel more confident to get involved in your own baby's care.

The films, endorsed by seven Royal Colleges and many charities, aim to support families of sick and premature babies through their experiences and form the heart of a National Change Programme.

Best Beginnings has supplied Small Wonders DVDs to around 150 neonatal units in hospitals across the UK. The films address sensitive situations, some of which may not be right for you at this time. If in doubt, ask the advice of your hospital staff before watching.

We have worked closely with over 200 families, experts and endorsing organisations to produce these films and the DVD has been endorsed by over 20 organisations, including UNICEF and RCPCH.
How do I watch Small Wonders?
For a quick look at the Small Wonders, click . You can also watch online on the Baby Buddy app , on our YouTube channel, and on the desktop version of Baby Buddy. You can buy copies of the Small Wonders DVD, which comes with the supporting booklet, from our online shop. If you are a parent of a sick or premature baby you can receive a copy of the DVD for free through your hospital.
Ways parents can participate in their baby's care:

Regular skin-to-skin/kangaroo care. Skin-to-skin contact reduces susceptibility to infection and can help to stabilise a baby's temperature and reduce the length of hospital stay. It also improves awareness and helps mother to produce milk

Providing and feeding breast milk to your baby, for example through expressing. Breast milk is very important because it reduces infections and advances mental and emotional development

Providing comforting touch and comfort holding. Time spent holding or touching your sick or premature baby allows you to bond, which increases your baby's responsiveness and lets you get to know one another

Day-to-day care such as nappy changing or bathing your baby

Best Beginnings collaborates with other organisations to ensure that families receive the best possible support. For more information regarding premature and sick babies, visit the Bliss website or call their Family Support Helpline for free on 0500 618140.
What mums and dads think of Small Wonders
"I found the films useful as I am in a similar situation as some of the parents and it gives a good idea of what to expect."

"I have had a premature baby but I learnt a lot from watching these films. There are a MUST for parents who haven't had previous experience of a neonatal unit. Really good!"

"Absolutely fantastic films. Very informative and a great insight into what's to come when having a premature baby. So glad that I got a chance to watch these as it really helped myself and my partner."
Want to know more about Small Wonders?
Visit the Small Wonders Impact and Evaluation page.
To find out how Best Beginnings can work with you in your are and use our Small Wonders resources email Nilu, our Head of Evaluation and Impact at [email protected]

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Supporting you when your baby is sick or premature. Small wonders project include 12 bite-size films following families and their journey in neo-natal units. Learn more here.

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The Breastfeeding Network Sandwell are currently offering Zoom breastfeeding support groups at the same time as their regular face to face groups. They have kindly opened them up to Dudley residents too - you can find all the details on their Facebook page in the link below

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Breastfeeding Network Sandwell, Sandwell, Sandwell, United Kingdom. 800 likes. Providing breastfeeding information & support to families in Sandwell. Antenatal classes, phone & text support, home...

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 100 0212
http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/

The Breastfeeding Network:
Supporterline - 0300 100 0210
Supporterline in Bengali / Sylheti - 0300 456 2421
Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline – email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers:
Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 330 5453
http://www.abm.me.uk/

La Leche League:
Breastfeeding Helpline - 0845 120 2918
http://www.laleche.org.uk/

The National Childbirth Trust:
Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 330 0771
http://www.nct.org.uk/

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This evidence based website gives you information on a range of medications and their effects on breastfeeding. There are lots of fact sheets including what you can take for pain relief, a cough/cold, anti-depressants, hay fever, antibiotics and many, many other conditions and medications (including diagnostic things like MRIs, CT scans and dental work). If you are currently taking medication in your pregnancy, you can talk to the health professionals involved in your care about how they may affect breastfeeding. You can also email the Drugs in Breastmilk service (link below) for more complex queries not covered in the FAQs or information sheets.

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations. BfN endeavours to provide information to enable mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish and to provide information on the safety of medicines for each mother and baby pair.

Please use the below links for more information

We are constantly reviewing the information available on drugs and breastfeeding as new research is conducted. Therefore, from time-to-time the information on this website may be updated - please be sure to check regularly for any new information and changes to the drug information fact sheets and leaflets.

What is the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service?

The original Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline was set up by BfN in response to the number of calls we were receiving that concerned medication.

In 2017 we noticed that majority of enquiries from parents and professionals to the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline were coming via email or social media. As a charity operating on reducing funds we need to run the service in the most efficient and effective way possible without compromising the needs of parents. As a result we decided to run the Drugs in Breastmilk service via email and social media enquiry only.

You can still access information on taking prescription drugs while breastfeeding by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via . Please provide as much information as possible (age of baby, dose, frequency and name of medication or drug). All enquiries are answered as soon as possible by one of our small, volunteer team of qualified pharmacists or breastfeeding supporters. As we can't guarantee a response time, in an emergency situation, please do not wait for our reply, but access help from a trained healthcare professional.

If you call the old Drugs in Breastmilk helpline 0844 number, you will hear a recorded message with information about where to access alternative support. Calls won't be answered live and there is no voicemail service available.

If you still have the Drugs in Breastmilk helpline number on any materials or web pages please could you remove it and replace it with the following information:
'If you have specific questions about medications or treatments, please message the Drugs in Breastmilk information service Facebook page or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk. If you require breastfeeding support, please call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212."

The service is open to mothers and professionals. As the time available to deal with breastfeeding support of mothers is limited, professionals are encouraged to find out the information to enable them to support the mothers themselves.

Evaluation of the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service

In 2019, BfN commissioned Swansea University to undertake an evaluation of the DIBM service we offer. The executive summary of this report can be found and the full report can be found .

Become a Friend of Drugs in Breastmilk

Please click here for more information on how you can help support this vital service.

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Drugs In Breastmilk - Is It Safe? - The Breastfeeding Network

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations.

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You can use the map below to find face to face support groups across the West Midlands. Always use the phone numbers/websites/contact details listed for each group to check the session is running before you leave home. All of these are currently suspended due to Covid-19, but you can use the contact details listed to find what alternatives are available.

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Birmingham Breastfeeding Support - Google My Maps

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A map of FREE breastfeeding support groups in the area. Always try finding their website, phone number or social media to check for the most up to date information. All groups listed are free and run by trained and insured organisations/peer supporters. Hospital infant feeding teams are black in colour/ read the description for contact details.

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic.

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic.

You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis. Expressing small amounts of colostrum before your baby is born can help give your baby extra milk in the first few days.

Please also refer to our downloadable leaflet on Expressing and Storing Breastmilk.

If you will be exclusively expressing (feeding only expressed breastmilk), whether for just a few days or longer, you might like to read our blog post on this.

Note: If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this information with your health professional to check that the storage times apply. This is especially important if you are bringing your colostrum or milk into hospital for your baby.

Your breastmilk

Can be expressed by hand, by hand pump or by electric pump. Once you know how, hand expressing is easy and needs little equipment.

Contains anti-infective ingredients that limit the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Should still be handled and stored carefully to stop unwanted bacteria from getting into your milk and growing.

Stays at the highest quality when stored in a fridge, particularly when running at 4°C or below. Note: some fridges run higher at 5-10°C - if you don't know the temperature of your fridge assume it is running at this higher temperature.

Can be frozen, which affects some (but by no means all) of the nutrients and anti-infective ingredients of breastmilk.

Expressing breastmilk

When you first start to express it is common to get only a few drops of milk. As with breastfeeding, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Expressing at a different time of day may work better for you.

When might I need to express?

Before your baby is born - you may be advised that your baby might need extra milk when they are born. You can express and store your first milk (colostrum) from 36 to 37 weeks gestation. You can read more about this here.

In the first few days - if your baby is sleepy, or to help them attach and feed.

For both these stages your midwife will give you small oral syringes to collect your milk. These are usually 1ml to begin with.

Use the ideas in this leaflet to discover what works for you. Colostrum usually starts in tiny droplets and is often sticky - having help to collect these drops in the syringe can be useful.

Aim to express twice a day from 36-37 weeks for no more than 10 minutes, freezing the same day.

Once your baby is born, express as needed aiming to stimulate your breasts at least 8 times a day including once overnight through direct breastfeeding or expressing as this will increase your milk supply to meet your baby's needs and can help you feel more comfortable.

Hand Expressing

Once your milk is flowing, you will need a wide mouthed container like a sterile plastic pot or container that is well-cleaned and scalded with boiling water - a jug is ideal - so get this ready before you start.

Remember to wash your hands first.

Find somewhere comfortable to relax, then to help your milk to flow (let down) you might:

Relax with a warm drink, music or TV.

Have your baby close, or look at a photograph, clothing or toy to remind you of your baby.

Warm your breasts in a bath, shower or using warm flannels and practice expressing.

Try some ways to gently massage your whole breast, working from the outside toward your nipple.

Take care not to drag your skin:

Stroke with your fingertips

Roll using your knuckles.

Try using circular movements.

Make a 'C' shape by placing your thumb above and your fingers below your breast 2-3 centimetres back from your nipple

Gently press your thumb and fingers together, release your fingers and repeat in a rhythmic movement.

Sometimes pressing inwards back towards your chest wall as you squeeze helps. You may need to experiment with how far back from your nipple to squeeze - everyone is slightly different.

When the milk flow slows, re-position your fingers and thumb (as if moving them around a clock face), then express another area of your breast.

Try to express all areas of your breast and alternate between breasts.

See this video on hand expressing from UNICEF for more ideas.

Good hygiene is very important:

Always wash your hands before expressing and handling breastmilk and ask others giving expressed milk to do the same.

Always use a sterile container with a lid, not the collection jug, to store your breastmilk. You can buy disposable containers. Take care with plastic bags that can puncture easily.

Try to use a different storage container each time you collect milk. If necessary, newly collected milk may be cooled and added to previously stored milk on the same day only.

Label the storage containers or syringes with your name, breastmilk, time and date and put inside a clean sealed bag or box before storing. Name and date the bag too.

Store your breastmilk in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.

Store away from meat products, eggs or any uncooked foods. Store at the back of the fridge and not in the door.

Storing expressed breastmilk

How long can I keep my breastmilk at room temperature if a fridge is not available?

If your breastmilk is freshly expressed it will keep for 6 hours without refrigeration, either at home or away from home. See 'travelling with breastmilk' section below for more details.
If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this with your health professional to check that the same storage times apply.
How long can I store breastmilk in the fridge?

You can store your breastmilk for up to 3 days where you don't know the temperature, or it runs between 5-10°C.

Breastmilk can be stored for 5 days in a fridge running at 4°C or lower.*
*One study has shown fresh breastmilk can be used for up to 8 days when the fridge temperature is kept stable at 4°C or below.

If the fridge temperature goes above 4°C during this time, use your milk within 6 hours or throw away.

If you can't use a fridge at 4°C, try using a cool bag or box with deep frozen ice packs (changed every 24 hours). Protect your milk from direct contact with the ice packs or it may freeze - try wrapping the ice packs in kitchen towel. The bag can also be used to carry milk.

The lower the storage temperature, the longer expressed breastmilk can be stored. The storage temperatures given here include a degree of caution so that your milk remains safe for your baby.

If you wish to store your breastmilk for longer than 5 days, freeze as soon as you can after expressing.
If taking colostrum or milk into hospital follow their storage and transport times. REMEMBER: The more often the fridge door is opened, the more likely the temperature will rise. Try to check the temperature of every fridge (or cool bag) used for storing your milk each time you use it. If the fridge has no built in thermometer, use a fridge thermometer which can be bought cheaply from kitchenware stores.
How long can I store breastmilk in the freezer?

Breastmilk can be stored in a freezer at -18°C for up to six months.

You can store breastmilk in the ice compartment of a fridge for two weeks.

Safe Storage of breastmilk in the home

This table aims to provide a guide to how long you can store breastmilk for a full term baby with no additional health concerns.

Why are there variations in recommendations for storing expressed breastmilk?

More information about this can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

Feeding baby expressed breastmilk

What happens if my baby doesn't take all of one bottle? Can I put it back in the fridge or on the side use it again?

Once the baby has drunk from a bottle of expressed milk it should be used up within an hour or thrown away. To avoid wasting your expressed breastmilk it is best to offer the baby only a little (e.g. 30ml) at a time until you know your baby's pattern. You can do this by keeping most of it in one container, in the fridge, and using it to top up the baby's bottle a little at a time.

Defrosting frozen breastmilk

How do I defrost my milk?

Ideally, defrost frozen breastmilk in the fridge. This milk should be used once fully defrosted which usually takes about 12 hours. If your breastmilk is still frozen after this time or you need to use it quickly, try defrosting under cool, then warm, running water. Dry the outside of the container with kitchen paper before use and use immediately. If you frequently find your milk is frozen after 12 hours in the fridge, try to freeze in smaller quantities.

How long can I keep defrosted breastmilk?

Defrosted breastmilk should be used straight away once it has fully defrosted. Throw away any unused milk.

Why can't I defrost breastmilk in a microwave?

Breastmilk should not be defrosted in the microwave because it heats unevenly, destroying antibodies and nutrients. There is also a risk of scalds and the milk would need to be left at room temperature before use.

Travelling with expressed breastmilk

How do I bring my milk home, which I have expressed at work or elsewhere?

Try to use a cool bag for transportation and put the milk in the fridge once you are home.

Fresh breastmilk can be transported within 24 hours provided storage temperatures are maintained using an insulated box or bag and deep frozen ice-packs, and total storage and transportation times do not exceed the recommended storage times.

Previously refrigerated breastmilk can be kept cool (10°C or below) for up to 24 hours when in a well-insulated bag with deep-frozen ice-packs. Take care not to freeze your milk by wrapping the ice-packs in kitchen paper first. Ensure this milk is used within the recommended refrigeration storage times as mentioned above.

Re-heating expressed breastmilk

How do I re-heat expressed breastmilk?

Expressed breastmilk can be used straight from the fridge. It does not need to be warmed. If you would like it warmed place the container (such as a bottle or sealed cup) in warm water to take the chill off. Take care not to over warm.

If the milk smells sour DO NOT USE.

When stored, the cream and milk may separate out. This is normal. Shake gently to mix before use.

Some babies are reluctant to take milk from a bottle, particularly at first. Try offering milk from a cup or spoon. They may be less reluctant when someone else gives it. If expressed milk is refused try not to worry - your baby will make up any missed feeds by breastfeeding more often or for longer on your return. See also info on this page about introducing a bottle.

Finding a breast pump

The two UK breast pump hire companies are:
Ardo breast pumps Medela breast pumps
Your midwife, health visitor or a local breastfeeding supporter may also be able to give you details of pump hire services near you.

Useful links
Human Milk Foundation
UKAMB (UK Milk Banks - find out about donating or receiving milk)
Milk Bank Scotland
Antenatal Expressing - more detailed information about this

References

(links checked May 2023)

Cook, P. Food Standards Agency. MCN10. 2006 Handling and storage of expressed breastmilk pp1-12 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph11/documents/mcn-consultation-expert-report-handling-and-storage-of-expressed-breast-milk2

Eglash, A, Simon, L, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE Volume 12, Number 7, 2017 (c) Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. pp390-395 https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/8-human-milk-storage-protocol-english.pdf See correction to freezer temp here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065517/

Forster, Della A et al. (2017) Advising women with diabetes in pregnancy to express breastmilk in late pregnancy (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing [DAME]): a multicentre, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, Volume 389, Issue 10085, 2204 - 2213 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31373-9/ppt

Hands A. (2003) Safe storage of expressed breastmilk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3.

Royle, J. Weaver, G. (2016) Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Special Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings. 2nd Ed. Section 6, p18-32
BDA Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Specialist Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings
IMPORTANT: If you have any further questions on expressing or breastfeeding, do contact your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for help and support. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212, open 9.30am-9.30pm every day of the year.

Page reviewed and updated November 2019

Variations in Recommendations for Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Written by Anabel Hands

In 2003, aware of the confusion for mothers resulting from the significant variations in recommendations for storing expressed breast milk, the BfN decided to collate all available information from primary research papers, and national and local guidance documents. These findings were published in the MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 1. The study found that storage temperature clearly determines storage time. Recommended storage times given in our Expressing and Storing Breast Milk leaflet were based on the primary research papers discussed in the study. You can find the link to this leaflet below for more information 2.

Our publication was sent to other breastfeeding organisations, including the Department of Health (DH), to facilitate agreement on storage recommendations using the results of primary research. The DH asked the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to review breast milk storage guidelines, and official storage recommendations were changed from 24 hours in the fridge to up to 5 days at 4°C or lower, two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge and up to six months in a freezer (March 2008) 3.NICE also recognised that refrigeration preserves the unique properties of breast milk more effectively than freezing. The National Health Service (NHS) adopted these guidelines, which appear in their leaflet Off to the best start (updated November 2009) which you can find a link to below 4.

Although a little different to BfN guidelines, the NICE and NHS recommendations took into account that fridge temperatures can vary and that a 5-day storage time covered most situations, including the need for milk expressed at the end of one working week to be used at the beginning of the following week. Some busy hospital neonatal units restrict the time milk is refrigerated as an added precaution; this is because their fridges are opened very frequently, which may affect the storage temperatures 5.

Other breastfeeding organisations, such as La Leche League, updated their published recommendations to distinguish between acceptable storage (8 days in the fridge) from ideal storage (72 hours in the fridge), and also recognised that refrigerated expressed breast milk was preferable to frozen breast milk (March 2012) see link below for more information. These recommendations are in line with the BfN leaflet 6.

It is important for mothers and breastfeeding supporters to note that leaflets and recommendations inconsistent with the published research are still in circulation, particularly on the Internet, and that countries outside of the UK may recommend different guidelines.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

References

1. HANDS A. Safe storage of expressed breast milk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3, Sep 2003, pp 378 & 385.

2. BfN (Breastfeeding Network) leaflet. Expressing and storing breast milk. September 2004.

3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Public health guidance 11: Maternal and child nutrition. March 2008.

4. Department of Health. Off to the best start. Crown Copyright 2007 278957 5p 200k Nov 09 (BEL) 299223.

5. MCN consultation: Expert report & Handling and storage of expressed breast milk. 05 April 2007.

6. La Leche League International. "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" Updated March 2012.

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Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

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This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis.

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This leaflet provides information about continuing to breastfeed when going back to work or study.

Going back to study or work may be the first time you have been separated from your baby for long periods. Continuing to breastfeed helps to keep the close relationship you’ve built up, providing your baby with extra comfort and security for as long as you both want. 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.

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The government guidance on social distancing is for everyone, including children.

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Background and scope of guidance

This guidance is for everyone, including children. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting guidance is available.

This group includes those who are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)

under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):

chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

chronic kidney disease

chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy

problems with your spleen - for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed

a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)

those who are pregnant

Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice about the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication

people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy

people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment

people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)

people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are to:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough

2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible

3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information

4. Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.

5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media

6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

are over 70

have an underlying health condition

are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food

avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

avoid close contact with people who have symptoms

cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands

clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough), self-isolate at home for 7 days. You can find the full guidance at stay at home.

Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. It is important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the Home care provision.

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

We advise everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

You should contact your regular social visitors such as friends and family to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing or preparing meals.

If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree on a plan for continuing your care.

If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provision useful.

It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you're not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

If you live in a house with a vulnerable person refer to our household guidance.

Looking after your mental wellbeing

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:

look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website

spend time doing things you enjoy - this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes

try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs

keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden

You can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

It is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Further guidance is also available on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use a NHS recommended helpline.

Advice for informal carers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time.

Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene such as:

wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

do not visit if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care

provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed

find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK

look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time. Further information is available in our mental health and wellbeing guidance

Summary of advice

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Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK

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This guidance is for everyone, including children. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers.

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This advice is intended for:

people with symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, and do not require hospital treatment, who must remain at home until they are well

those living in households with someone who shows symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus

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importance of staying at home
Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

new continuous cough and/or

high temperature

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

Main messages

if you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. (The ending isolation section below has more information)

if you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. See the explanatory diagram

for anyone else in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period. The ending isolation section below has more information, and see the explanatory diagram

it is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

if you can, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period

if you cannot move vulnerable people out of your home, stay away from them as much as possible

if you have coronavirus symptoms:

do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital

you do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home

testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home

wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser

if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999

Who this guidance is for

This advice is intended for:

people with symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, and do not require hospital treatment, who must remain at home until they are well

those living in households with someone who shows symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.

Why staying at home is very important

It is very important that individuals with symptoms that may be due to coronavirus and their household members stay at home. Staying at home will help control the spread of the virus to friends, the wider community, and particularly the most vulnerable.

Those with symptoms and living alone should remain at home for 7 days after the onset of their symptoms (see ending self-isolation below). This will reduce the risk of you infecting others.

If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, then household members must stay at home and not leave your house for 14 days (more information in the ending self-isolation section below). If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials, other than exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in your house became ill.

If not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.

It is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or may already be infected. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

Staying at home may be difficult and frustrating, but there are things that you can do to help make it easier. These include:

plan ahead and think about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home for the full 7 or 14 days

talk to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need to make your stay at home a success

think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications that you will need during this period

ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect

make sure that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media

think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films

many people find it helpful to plan out the full 14 days, such as on a make-shift calendar. You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do if, for example, someone in the household were to feel much worse, such as have difficulties breathing

when you are feeling better, remember that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home

While you are staying at home, make sure you do the following things

Stay at home

You and all household members should remain at home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis.

If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials, other than exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. The 14-day period starts from the day the first person in your house became ill.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you will need to ask friends or relatives. Alternatively, you can order medication by phone or online. You can also order your shopping online. Make sure you tell delivery drivers to leave items outside for collection if you order online. The delivery driver should not come into your home.

If you are an employee and unable to work due to coronavirus, please refer to this guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions to find out about the support that is available to you.

If you are living with children

Keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible.

What we have seen so far is that children with coronavirus appear to be less severely affected. It is nevertheless important to do your best to follow this guidance.

If you have a vulnerable person living with you

Minimise as much as possible the time any vulnerable family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.

Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from vulnerable people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If they can, they should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure they use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.

If you do share a toilet and bathroom with a vulnerable person, it is important that you clean them every time you use them (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Another tip is to consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with the vulnerable person using the facilities first.

If you share a kitchen with a vulnerable person, avoid using it while they are present. If they can, they should take their meals back to their room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family's used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If the vulnerable person is using their own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.

We understand that it will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

If you are breastfeeding while infected

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you. The current evidence is that children with coronavirus get much less severe symptoms than adults. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus through breast milk or by being in close contact; however, this will be an individual decision and can be discussed with your midwife, health visitor or GP by telephone.

If you or a family member are feeding with formula or expressed milk, you should sterilise the equipment carefully before each use. You should not share bottles or a breast pump with someone else.

You can find more information at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website.

Cleaning and disposal of waste

When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops. This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house.

Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin.

Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.

Laundry

To minimise the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.

Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All dirty laundry can be washed in the same load.

If you do not have a washing machine, wait a further 72 hours after your 7-day (for individual isolation) or 14-day isolation period (for households) has ended when you can then take the laundry to a public launderette.

What you can do to help yourself get better

Drink water to keep yourself hydrated; you should drink enough during the day so your urine (pee) is a pale clear colour. You can use over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, to help with some of your symptoms. Use these according to the instructions on the packet or label and do not exceed the recommended dose.

If you or your family need to seek medical advice

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness or the illness in any household members is worsening. If it's not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the call handler or operator that you or your relative have coronavirus symptoms.

All routine medical and dental appointments should usually be cancelled whilst you and the family are staying at home. If you are concerned or have been asked to attend in person within the period you are home isolating, discuss this with your medical contact first (for example, your GP, local hospital or outpatient service), using the number they have provided. If your concerns are related to your coronavirus symptoms contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.

Wash your hands often

Clean your hands frequently each day by washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser. This will help protect you and the people you live with. This step is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of passing infection to others.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have one to hand, sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand.

If you have a carer, they should use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed. Then they should wash their hands with soap and water.

Dispose of tissues into a disposable rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.

Facemasks

We do not recommend the use of facemasks as an effective means of preventing the spread of infection. Facemasks play an important role in clinical settings, such as hospitals, but there's very little evidence of benefit from their use outside of these settings.

Do not have visitors in your home

Do not invite or allow social visitors, such as other friends and family, to enter your home. If you want to speak to someone who is not a member of your household, use the phone or social media.

If you or a family member receive essential care in your home, then carers should continue to visit. Carers will be provided with facemasks and gloves to reduce the risk of you passing on the infection.

If you have pets in the household

At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs and cats can be infected with coronavirus.

Looking after your wellbeing while staying at home

We know that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people and that you or other household members may feel low. It can be particularly challenging if you don't have much space or access to a garden.

It's important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. There are also sources of support and information that can help, such as the Every Mind Matters website.

Think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have not minded staying at home for a week have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films. If you feel well enough you can take part in light exercise within your home or garden.

Many people find it helpful to remind themselves why what they are doing is so important. Hopefully, none of your family will suffer more than flu-like symptoms. But some people are badly affected by coronavirus, and particularly the elderly and those with certain medical conditions. By staying home, you are protecting the lives of others, as well as making sure the NHS does not get overwhelmed.

Ending self-isolation and household-isolation

Self-isolation

If you have been symptomatic, then you may end your self-isolation after 7 days. The 7-day period starts from the day when you first became ill

Household isolation

If living with others, then all household members who remain well may end household-isolation after 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day illness began in the first person to become ill. Fourteen days is the incubation period for coronavirus; people who remain well after 14 days are unlikely to be infectious.

After 7 days, if the first person to become ill feels better and no longer has a high temperature, they can return to their normal routine. If any other family members become unwell during the 14-day household-isolation period, they should follow the same advice - that is, after 7 days of their symptoms starting, if they feel better and no longer have a high temperature, they can also return to their normal routine.

Should a household member develop coronavirus symptoms late in the 14-day household-isolation period (for example, on day 13 or day 14) the isolation period does not need to be extended, but the person with the new symptoms has to stay at home for 7 days. The 14-day household-isolation period will have greatly reduced the overall amount of infection the rest of the household could pass on, and it is not necessary to restart 14 days of isolation for the whole household. This will have provided a high level of community protection. Further isolation of members of this household will provide very little additional community protection.

At the end of the 14-day period, any family member who has not become unwell can leave household isolation.

If any ill person in the household has not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, they should contact NHS 111 online. If your home has no internet access, you should call NHS 111.

The cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean someone must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days.

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Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

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importance of staying at home The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new continuous cough and/or high temperature For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. if you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

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This link will give you Covid-19 information and updates relating to Dudley Council

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If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

If you have symptoms and live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days. If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

If after 7 days, you no longer have a high temperature you can return to your normal routine. If you still have a high temperature, stay at home until your temperature returns to normal. If you still have a cough after 7 days, but your temperature is normal, you do not need to continue staying at home. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone.

If symptoms get worse after seven days, people should contact NHS 111 online for advice.

View all the latest guidance and information on self-isolation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.

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If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

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Birmingham Women’s Hospital Infant Feeding

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Birmingham Women’s Hospital Infant Feeding

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Here are the current details to access infant feeding support if you had your baby with Birmingham Women’s Hospital

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Having your baby in Dudley? This website will give you lots of information on birthing in the maternity department including antenatal care, water birth, classes, home birth, infant feeding, pregnancy screening and different parts of the unit.

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Welcome to our maternity services. We are committed to caring for you as an individual and working in partnership with you to meet your needs. We sincerely hope you will find your pregnancy and the birth of your baby a positive and fulfilling experience.

The maternity web pages contain lots of information about the hospital and community maternity services offered by The Dudley Group.

If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to one of our midwives or matrons.

Please use the links to the left of this page for information about our maternity services.
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Welcome to our maternity services. We are committed to caring for you as an individual and working in partnership with you to meet your needs. We sincerely hope you will find your pregnancy and the birth of your baby a positive and fulfilling experience.

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Breastfeeding and breastmilk doesn't lose all its healthy ingredients and magical tantrum stopping/calming powers even when your "baby" is a toddler. This link from LLL covers some of the things you may be experiencing and ways to cope.

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Why nursing is still important

Your milk is still nutritious
Although you will be introducing your breastfed baby to the exciting world of solid foods from around 6 months of age, your milk will remain his most important food until at least 12 months. Beyond this, breastmilk is still a valuable contribution to your child's diet, providing up to a third of both his daily calories and protein needs after 18 months, as well as being a good source of vitamins and minerals. Toddlers often eat varying amounts from day to day so it can be reassuring to know your child is still getting your milk.

Protection from illness
Breastmilk continues to complement and boost your child's immune system. Whilst breastfeeding is no guarantee that a toddler won't become ill, it can help reduce the severity of any illness. When he is ill, breastmilk may be the only food or drink he can manage, especially during bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea. Nursing is also very comforting to a poorly toddler and can make it easier for you to cope with his illness.

Comfort and security
Nursing offers security at a time when your child is developing fast and the world seems a confusing place. A mother is often surprised at how important breastfeeding remains to her older baby or toddler.

Breastfeeding beyond babyhood is normal

'Weaning' is the process whereby a child learns to take nourishment other than his mother's milk. It starts when the child is introduced to foods and drinks in addition to breastmilk, and ends when he finally stops nursing. You may worry that if you don't initiate an end to breastfeeding, your child will 'nurse forever'. But children outgrow breastfeeding on their own, just as they outgrow other toddler behaviours. This process of 'natural weaning' can allow a child to develop at his own pace, giving up breastfeeding according to his own timetable. All children stop breastfeeding eventually, but some finish earlier than others. Rather than choosing a specific time to stop breastfeeding, many mothers just continue nursing while it's working well for them and see how it goes.

Mixed feelings

Not all mothers are comfortable or wish to breastfeed their babies beyond a certain point. Or perhaps you feel that your child is nursing too much, or more than you are comfortable with? Before rushing to wean, consider whether breastfeeding really does make your life harder. Your child will need your constant attention and care for years yet, whether he is breastfeeding or not. Sometimes needs can be met more simply and easily through nursing than in any other way.

For many mothers, shortening feeds or reducing their frequency is enough to make them feel more positive about breastfeeding and confident that it will eventually end. Thinking Of Weaning?, How Breastfeeding Ends and the book Mothering Your Nursing Toddler offer suggestions on how to reduce or end breastfeeding gently while still meeting your child's needs. Your local LLL Leader will have suggestions, and other mothers in your local LLL group will have found their own solutions too.

Comments from others

Your biggest challenge may be coping with the opinions of others on how long you should continue to breastfeed and how weaning should happen. Explaining the importance of breastfeeding may seem threatening to people who made other choices. Instead, help them feel more comfortable by mentioning how breastfeeding makes life easier for you, your child and your family. You might say that you didn't plan to nurse this long: "At first I planned to breastfeed him for six months. At six months I decided to wean him at a year." Or, "Before he was born I hadn't considered nursing a toddler!" Sometimes a smile and a witty response may do the trick: "When is he going to stop breastfeeding?"-"Oh, in about 5 minutes or so I expect!"

Out and about

Breastfeeding manners

Setting some gentle limits on how your older baby or toddler breastfeeds is the start of gentle discipline and guiding him into good behaviour. It starts when you hold his hand or give him a toy to stop twiddling while feeding. If your toddler tries to breastfeed in unusual or uncomfortable acrobatic positions, you can let him know that it hurts and that if he wants to nurse he needs to sit properly. It's best to start to set limits on how you will breastfeed before behaviour becomes a problem. If a behaviour you aren't happy with has become a habit, it may take a little perseverance to change things. But even young toddlers respond to consistent loving guidance, especially if rewarded with breastfeeding and a thank you when they behave appropriately.

Conflicting advice

Some people, even health professionals, who are unfamiliar with breastfeeding an older baby or toddler, may claim that nursing beyond a certain age leads to spoiling, tooth decay, obesity or any number of other consequences! There is no evidence for this. A child's secure attachment actually leads to independence. There is evidence that tooth decay is dependent on the presence of certain oral bacteria and enamel defects. Limiting sugary foods (including dried fruit), drinks and sweets, and careful cleaning are better preventions than ending breastfeeding. There is also evidence that obesity is more prevalent in children who are not breastfed. Children all develop at different rates: crawling, walking and talking at different ages. Why should weaning be any different? Children's needs for sucking and closeness vary. If your child enjoys breastfeeding and it makes him feel good, what a great reason for snuggling up with him

Benefits for you

Breastfeeding helps:
* Calm an overtired or fussy child.
* Soothe you both if your child is hurt or in pain.
* Ease frustration and recovery from toddler tantrums. While clingy, demanding behaviour is normal in young children, some families find that when breastfeeding continues, the 'terrible twos' turn into 'terrific twos'.
* You stay calmer and drift back to sleep more easily, thanks to those breastfeeding hormones.
* Reduce your risk of developing breast cancer

Thinking of weaning?

If you are thinking of taking active steps to end breastfeeding there are lots of suggestions in Thinking of Weaning? and How Breastfeeding Ends. The 'don't offer, don't refuse' method can be a helpful approach after the first year. Simply continue meeting your toddler's need to nurse if he is hurt, tired or upset and wait until he asks when his need is less obvious. Offer a healthy snack, drink or a story instead-and see how he reacts. Encouraging your child to help you around the house and get involved in play can provide natural distractions when he doesn't really need to nurse. Setting appropriate limits is the start of gentle discipline and can be a way of saving your breastfeeding relationship. How long your toddler is able to wait will depend on the situation, his age and temperament. Do make sure that you follow through and offer the promised feed later, so he trusts you and is willing to wait.

Wanting another baby

Pregnancy

Pregnant nursing mothers sometimes receive conflicting advice about whether to wean. Some continue to breastfeed during pregnancy and may go on to feed both children. This is called tandem nursing. Others wean or find their child weans naturally during the pregnancy. The booklet Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy and Beyond or the book Adventures in Tandem Nursing may help when considering your options. Some mothers find that shortening feeds or partial weaning helps them meet both their own needs and those of their older baby or toddler.

Finding support

It is easy to feel isolated when the reality of life with a baby or toddler does not meet your expectations. Being able to meet other mothers in similar situations can be a great help. La Leche League groups welcome mothers at any stage of breastfeeding, so you will often find mothers breastfeeding older babies and toddlers at your local group meeting. Some LLL groups run toddler meetings where you can share experiences and tips.

Feelings, needs and expectations

Your own feelings
However you feel, do take care of yourself so you can enjoy caring for your child. Avoid making quick decisions to wean. A break, a nap, a bath, or just something to eat or drink, may be all you need to recharge before deciding what you want to do. Breastfeeding is a two-way relationship, and your needs are important too. You can adjust your approach as situations change. It isn't easy when you are ready to stop breastfeeding, and your baby isn't. To help your child move on, try to end breastfeeding gradually and with love while giving him your time and attention in other ways. Encouragement and support are always helpful when our children are moving on in life, from toddlerhood to teenage years.

An intense need for mum
A baby has an intense need to be with his mother that is as important as his need for food. Breastfeeding is not just food-it helps your toddler maintain the close attachment to you that has been his security up until now. The security of a baby's bond with his mother is the basis for all other relationships and will help him to become more independent as he grows and develops. There are many reasons why children need extra reassurance from nursing. Many little ones want to nurse only occasionally, perhaps for going to sleep and if they hurt themselves. But if your child seems to breastfeed avidly, it can help to look at what is happening in his life and yours. Perhaps he spends time away from you or particular demands on your time and attention take you away from him, such as other children, the telephone, the Internet or your job. Are you meeting his needs for attention, conversation and playmates, in addition to snacks and drinks, before he asks to nurse? You too may have got used to thinking that nursing meets every need. As they get older, children crave your focused attention as well. Sometimes nursing replaces other important contact: playing, exploring the great outdoors and taking part in household tasks.

If you need to be apart at times, his need for closeness may be more intense than ever when you are together. Satisfying this need will help equip your child for times when you are away. Many older children enjoy spending time with dad and only ask to nurse when mum is around. Young children often pick up on any emotional stress in the family, or changes such as moving house. Major growth and development milestones, illness or allergies could also be factors that influence his need for you. If you are feeling uncertain or worried about limiting nursing, you may find your child becomes anxious and asks to nurse more frequently. On the other hand, if you are confident about your decision and able to give of yourself lovingly in other ways, weaning is likely to go more smoothly.

Dad's feelings
Perhaps your partner isn't comfortable with his child continuing to breastfeed now that he is older. He may feel his toddler is too dependent on you, or that breastfeeding is only for babies. In your eyes your child is still your baby whilst others see him or her as a big boy or girl who can walk and talk. It can help to share your feelings honestly with your partner and listen carefully to how he feels. He might find talking to another dad whose child nursed longer, or meeting a confident independent child who breastfed for a long time helps ease his concerns.

Expectations

Sometimes our expectations simply don't fit with the needs of our individual children. While our society often expects babies to be weaned from the breast within a year, no one seems to question that many two and three year olds still suck on bottles, thumbs, or dummies, or need a comfort object. If you meet your child's need for closeness and security the need will be fulfilled, allowing him to grow and move on at his own pace. Even the clingiest toddlers have grown into independent, adventurous adults.

All children are different, but Ruth's story shows how allowing a child to enjoy the nursing relationship and develop at his own pace pays dividends in the end:
"I know that some people look at a small boy climbing on his mum's knee to nurse, hiding his face shyly in mum's shoulder, or perhaps insisting on climbing into the family bed rather than his own, and worry that this little chap will grow up to be a 'mummy's boy'. If anyone you know has expressed such concerns, you might like to let him know about my son Michael. He nursed until he was four, preferred to stay home and not go to playgroup until he was four and a quarter, and frequented the family bed for a quite a while. But at the age of eighteen Michael completed his RAF Regiment training, a very physically demanding course. Only eight of the original thirty-one recruits got through. Now a Corporal, Michael is a confident, mature and very caring young man."

Written by Karen Butler, Sue Upstone and mothers of LLLGB.
'Breastfeeding on the Tube' - photo courtesy Brendan Williams

Further Reading

Adventures in Gentle Discipline Flower, H. Schaumburg, IL: LLLI, 2005.
Adventures in Tandem Nursing. Flower, H. Schaumburg, IL: LLLI, 2003.
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler. Bumgarner, NJ. Schaumburg, IL: LLLI, 2000.

This information is available to buy in printed form from the LLLGB Shop.

Copyright LLLGB 2016

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Not so long ago you first held your tiny newborn and started on your breastfeeding journey together. Suddenly time has passed and you find yourself still breastfeeding an older baby or toddler-something you may never have envisaged doing! At this point you may wonder whether your child will end up 'nursing forever'.