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FREE virtual face to face one to one support sessions with our Breastfeeding Counsellors who are trained with NCT

Please do book a session using the form on our website:
https://gbsn.org.uk/gbsn-virtual-support-registration-form/

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Virtual Bumps Sessions - Preparation to Breastfeeding workshops

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Virtual Bumps Sessions - Preparation to Breastfeeding workshops

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GBSN is offering expectant mothers and their support partners a virtual "Preparation for Breastfeeding Workshop". A small group, via Zoom, will give you the chance to meet others. It will be facilitated by a GBSN Breastfeeding Specialist Worker who is a Breastfeeding Counsellor trained by the NCT.
The focus will be on helping to get breastfeeding off to a good start, what breastfeeding looks like day by day and having self-help strategies if things don't go to plan. We'll concentrate on the first 10 days. You'll get the slides and information to read beforehand and we ask you to come to the first session ready to discuss what you've read. Then you'll get a chance to reflect upon this before the next session which will build upon the first.

You can attend this workshop at anytime during your pregnancy at a time to suit you and your partner.
These workshops are over two 1 hour sessions. We have two sets of dates available now - choose the first date from the list and you'll have entry to both sessions. Each Workshop (2 sessions) Cost £20 + Booking Fee
- PART 1 Tuesday 16th June 11am-12pm & PART 2 Friday 19th June 6-7pm

- PART 1 Tuesday 23rd June 6-7pm & PART 2 Thursday 25th June 6-7pm

- PART 1 Tuesday 30th June 6-7pm & PART 2 Thursday 2nd July 6-7pm

You'll be emailed a Zoom link prior to each session.
Book your place here

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GBSN is offering expectant mothers and their support partners a virtual "Preparation for Breastfeeding Workshop". A small group, via Zoom, will give you the chance to meet others. It will be facilitated by a GBSN Breastfeeding Specialist Worker who is a Breastfeeding Counsellor trained by the NCT.

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UNICEF Infant Formula and Responsive feeding

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This simple, concise guide provides parents who are bottle feeding with an overview on how to bottle feed responsively and, for parents who are formula feeding, how to choose an infant formula.

Bottle feeding as responsively as possible can help support the development of a close and loving parent-infant relationship. More tips on building a close and loving relationship with babies can be found in our Building a Happy Baby leaflet for parents.

UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative is firmly committed to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. However, in the UK bottle feeding remains very common and so we also work to ensure the best outcomes possible for babies when they are not breastfed. When considering use of our materials outside of the UK, we suggest taking into account the country context and individual needs before deciding whether or not our materials are suitable for use.

Further reading

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Infant formula and responsive bottle feeding - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This guide provides an overview on how to bottle feed responsively and, for parents who are formula feeding, how to choose an infant formula.

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Gloucester Baby Feeding Project

Who are we?
We are all local mums who have breastfed our children and have trained to be Breastfeeding Helpers and Supporters with the Breastfeeding Network.

What do we do?
We provide friendly help, information and support about breastfeeding through texts, phone calls and visits, so you can get the breastfeeding support that you want, when you want for as long as you want.

What next?
If you live in Gloucestershire and would like help with breastfeeding, give us a call or text 07871 174 566 with your name and postcode. We'll let you know if there's a BfN Supporter working in your area and put you in touch with them. Where there is no BfN support available, we'll let you know about other local breastfeeding support groups.

Alternatively, come along to one of our friendly Mama Latte support groups. click to view

You can also call Supporterline on 0300 100 0210 for breastfeeding help 9.30am - 9.30 pm every day of the week.

Calls provided by BT will be charged at 5 pence per minute. A call set-up fee of 3 pence per call applies to calls from BT residential lines. Mobile and other providers - charges may vary. The Breastfeeding Network is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland Company No. 330369 and Registered Scottish Charity No. SC027007.

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Gloucestershire - The Breastfeeding Network

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Gloucester Baby Feeding Project Who are we? We are all local mums who have breastfed our children and have trained to be Breastfeeding Helpers and Supporters with the Breastfeeding Network. What do we do? We provide friendly help, information and support about breastfeeding through texts, phone calls and visits, so you can get the breastfeeding ...

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Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters' Network - Friendly and free breastfeeding support groups run weekly

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GBSN is a team of qualified Breastfeeding Counsellors and network of volunteer Peer Supporters who are here to help you reach those goals, adapt to your baby's needs and above all, ensure you feel supported in your breastfeeding journey.

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Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters' Network - Friendly and free breastfeeding support groups run weekly

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GBSN is a team of qualified Breastfeeding Counsellors and network of volunteer Peer Supporters who are here to help you reach those goals, adapt to your baby's needs and above all, ensure you feel supported in your breastfeeding journey.

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A short video on how your baby attaches to your breast

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A short video on how your baby attaches to your breast

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding.

Key to achieving the Baby Friendly standards is a workforce able to support mothers to breastfeed effectively. This video provides some guidance on this.

You can see more of the 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD on the Best Beginnings website.

Video not working? Contact us

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Positioning and attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiativ

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding. Watch to learn more.

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Newborn baby poo in nappies: what to expect

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Your baby’s nappy can tell you a lot - find out more here.

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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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Babies instinctively let us know when they need to be fed. This article will help you to recognise when your baby needs to be fed. This can help to make breastfeeding work well for both of you.

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How can I tell if breastfeeding is going well?

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How can I tell if breastfeeding is going well?

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Don't miss the dulcet tones of Ewan McGregor reading to your baby

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Don't miss the dulcet tones of Ewan McGregor reading to your baby

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UNICEF Ambassador Ewan McGregor reads Baby, I Love You, a special book which helps build loving and nurturing relationships between new parents and their baby, encouraging skin-to-skin contact, holding, stroking, playing and singing.

Find more resources to support relationship building:

Find more relationship building resources

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Baby I Love You video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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UNICEF Ambassador Ewan McGregor reads Baby, I Love You, a book which helps build loving relationships between parents and babies.

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Drugs in Breastmilk factsheets - The Breastfeeding Network

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These factsheets have been compiled by our Drugs in Breastmilk information service team of pharmacists. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for below, or you still have questions, you can contact the team by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via email. Please provide as much information as possible (age […]

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ABM are a group of trained volunteers dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and their families. We’ve been supporting mums and nurturing families for almost 40 years. We’d love you to join us. Become a member of the ABM and help us continue our work.

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We're here to support you and your unique experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Our vision is that everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected, and safe.

We share evidence-based information you can trust

We create opportunities to connect with other parents

We listen to your experiences, amplify all parents' voices and campaign for change

We are strong advocates for improving experiences of pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, and early parenthood, equitably, for all parents.

Access networks of support and build friendships through our courses and community events.

Use our resources to make informed decisions that feel right for you.

Information for parents

If you're pregnant or a new parent, we know that you will have a number of questions and concerns about coronavirus. In our sections below, we've created a range of articles about how coronavirus might affect your pregnancy, birth and early days as a parent.

Pregnancy

When it comes to your pregnancy, we've got it covered. You'll find everything you need to help you feel confident and reassured over the next nine months right here.
Find out more

Labour & birth

Thinking about how, what happens and where to give birth? We're here to help you feel more confident. We've got information and tips on everything you need to know.
Find out more

Baby & toddler

Your baby's arrived and you've probably got 101 things on your mind. Don't worry, you're not on your own. We're here with information and support as your baby develops.
Find out more

Life as a parent

You've just had a baby and everyone is focused on your little one. But how about you? We're with you on your journey with support and tips from other mums and dads.
Find out more

Courses and workshops

Interactive, engaging and social, our antenatal course is a fun and exciting way to grow your knowledge of birth and early parenthood, and make life-long friends.
View all courses & workshops

Local activities and meet-ups

Our local activities and meet-ups can help you build up a supportive social network around you.

Support NCT Charity by becoming a member

Join NCT and there's great member benefits for you - exclusive live talks, money-saving offers & competitions, digital magazine & quick-read newsletters, plus early entry to every NCT Nearly New Sale - whilst you help fund free support for others.

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The UK's leading charity for parents | NCT

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We are the charity that supports people as they become parents. We're here for you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

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Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onward.

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Want to train as a peer supporter or volunteer at a group?

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Want to train as a peer supporter or volunteer at a group?

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contact : training@gbsn.org.uk

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The safest cot is a clear cot

The safest cot for a baby is a clear cot. That means removing anything that isn't essential. Babies need just two items in their cot:

It's important to remove anything that isn't essential because items such as toys, blankets and bumpers could cover their face and obstruct their breathing.

When preparing your baby's sleep space, remember:

No pillows or duvets

No cot bumpers

No soft toys or comforters

No weighted or bulky bedding

No products designed to keep your baby in one sleeping position, such as wedges or straps

No pods or nests, rolled up towels or anything soft placed on top of the mattress.

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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Gloucestershire Real Nappy Project | Glosfamilies Directory

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Discount vouchers, special offer packs, loan kits and talks are offered through the Gloucestershire Real Nappy Project (GRNP). Andrea and Kirstie, the Real Nappy project officers, can be contacted by emailing glosnappies@resourcefutures.co.uk.

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Skip to main content

Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough - especially in the first few days. But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

Apart from the fact that breast milk is tailor-made for your baby, contains vitamins and minerals and is always available, it also offers protection from certain infections and helps improve your baby's long-term health. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), childhood diabetes and leukaemia.

We're here to provide lots of helpful information and advice on breastfeeding. If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor, or join a local breastfeeding support group.

Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial, but exclusively breastfeeding your baby for 6 months offers a lot more protection. There are benefits and advantages for you too - breastfeeding helps:.

your uterus get back down to size - after your baby is born, your uterus (womb) will gradually get smaller day-by-day, but breastfeeding will help speed this up

you bond with your baby - breastfeeding is a lovely way to feel close and strengthen the bond between you and your baby

release a hormone called "oxytocin" which helps you feel calm and connected to your baby

protect your health - breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis (weak bones), diabetes and cardiovascular disease (conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels)

burn off calories - if you are exclusively breastfeeding, this will help burn off about 300 calories a day

There are many benefits of carrying on breastfeeding after 6 months - your breast milk protects your baby from infections and there's some evidence it helps them digest solid foods.

Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life

The Breastfeeding Friend, a digital tool from Start for Life, has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you - and because it's a digital tool, you can access it 24 / 7.

For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212. Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day.

Sign up now for our pregnancy, baby and toddler guide

Get personalised emails for trusted NHS advice, videos and tips on your pregnancy week by week, birth and parenthood.
Get weekly emails

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Breastfeeding can take practice - read our guides on breastfeeding to find out what works best for you

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Skip to main content Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough - especially in the first few days. But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

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Unicef UK infant feeding during the COVID-19 outbreak

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Unicef UK infant feeding during the COVID-19 outbreak

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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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Breastfeeding Network (UK) breastfeeding and coronavirus

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Breastfeeding Network (UK) breastfeeding and coronavirus

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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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https://abm.me.uk/how-lactation-works/

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Optimising mother-baby contact and infant feeding in a pandemic

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Optimising mother-baby contact and infant feeding in a pandemic

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Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.
These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.

People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they're having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.

There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Good sources of vitamin D

From about late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.

The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.

But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Read more about vitamin D and sunlight.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.

Sources include:

oily fish - such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel

red meat

liver

egg yolks

fortified foods - such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.

In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries.

How much vitamin D do I need?

From about late March/early April to the end of September, the majority of people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight on their skin.

Children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.

A microgram is 1,000 times smaller than a milligram (mg). The word microgram is sometimes written with the Greek symbol μ followed by the letter g (μg).

Sometimes the amount of vitamin D is expressed as International Units (IU). 1 microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. So 10 micrograms of vitamin D is equal to 400 IU.

Should I take a vitamin D supplement?

Advice for adults and children over 4 years old

During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.

But since it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.

Between late March/early April to the end of September, most people can make all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet.

You may choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months.

People at risk of vitamin D deficiency

Some people will not make enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that adults and children over 4 take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they:

are not often outdoors - for example, if they're frail or housebound

are in an institution like a care home

usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outdoors

If you have dark skin - for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background - you may also not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.

You should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.

Advice for infants and young children

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that babies from birth to 1 year of age should have a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they are:

breastfed

formula-fed and are having less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D

Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.

You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for under 5s) at most pharmacies and supermarkets.

Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D.

See the Healthy Start website for more information.

What happens if I take too much vitamin D?

Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people.

Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.

Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day.

Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.

If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.

You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you're out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

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Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

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What is Healthy Start?

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We'll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

plain liquid cow's milk

fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables

fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

infant formula milk based on cow's milk

You can also use your card to collect:

Healthy Start vitamins - these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding

vitamin drops for babies and young children - these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

If you live in Scotland

You can get help from Best Start Foods (opens in a new tab) instead.

Advice on healthy eating

For more advice on healthy eating, visit:

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If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.