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Drop in at any time, feel free to bring your partner, a friend or family member. 

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Our summer drop sessions open to antenatal families

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Our summer drop sessions open to antenatal families

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Within the first few hours after birth, most healthy newborns will instinctively move to their mother's breast and attach on their own. This video shows early breastfeeding initiation through the journeys of 3 newborns and ways to ensure the success of this vital practice for any new mother and baby.

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Breastfeeding in the First Hours - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Within the first few hours after birth, most healthy newborns will instinctively move to their mother's breast and attach on their own. This video shows early

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Southwark Drop Ins.

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Southwark Drop Ins.

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updated 'preparing for baby' poster Southwark 2025

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By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

The First Week

How often should baby be nursing?

Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for nursing at least 10 - 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often-you CAN nurse too little.

Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)-don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy at first-wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing.

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Is baby getting enough milk?

Weight gain: Normal newborns may lose up to 7% of birth weight in the first few days. After mom's milk comes in, the average breastfed baby gains 6 oz/week (170 g/week). Take baby for a weight check at the end of the first week or beginning of the second week. Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.

Dirty diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). After day 4, stools should be yellow and baby should have at least 3-4 stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often-this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy.

Wet diapers: In the early days, baby typically has one wet diaper for each day of life (1 on day one, 2 on day two...). Once mom's milk comes in, expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet.

Breast changes

Your milk should start to " come in" (increase in quantity and change from colostrum to mature milk) between days 2 and 5. To minimize engorgement: nurse often, don't skip feedings (even at night), ensure good latch/positioning, and let baby finish the first breast before offering the other side. To decrease discomfort from engorgement, use cold and/or cabbage leaf compresses between feedings. If baby is having trouble latching due to engorgement, use reverse pressure softening or express milk until the nipple is soft, then try latching again.

Call your doctor, midwife and/or lactation consultant if:

Baby is having no wet or dirty diapers

Baby has dark colored urine after day 3(should be pale yellow to clear)

Baby has dark colored stools after day 4(should be mustard yellow, with no meconium)

Baby has fewer wet/soiled diapers or nurses less frequently than the goals listed here

Mom has symptoms of mastitis(sore breast with fever, chills, flu-like aching)

Weeks two through six

How often should baby be nursing?

Frequent nursing in the early weeks is important for establishing a good milk supply. Most newborns need to nurse 8 - 12+ times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T nurse too often-you CAN nurse too little.

Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)-don't wait until baby is crying. Allow baby unlimited time at the breast when sucking actively, then offer the second breast. Some newborns are excessively sleepy-wake baby to nurse if 2 hours (during the day) or 4 hours (at night) have passed without nursing. Once baby has established a good weight gain pattern, you can stop waking baby and nurse on baby's cues alone.

The following things are normal:

Frequent and/or long feedings.

Varying nursing pattern from day to day.

Cluster nursing (very frequent to constant nursing) for several hours-usually evenings-each day. This may coincide with the normal "fussy time" that most babies have in the early months.

Growth spurts, where baby nurses more often than usual for several days and may act very fussy. Common growth spurt times in the early weeks are the first few days at home, 7 - 10 days, 2 - 3 weeks and 4 - 6 weeks.

Is baby getting enough milk?

Weight gain: The average breastfed newborn gains 6 ounces/week (170 grams/week). Consult with baby's doctor and your lactation consultant if baby is not gaining as expected.

Dirty diapers: Expect 3-4+ stools daily that are the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm) or larger. Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often-this is normal, too. The normal stool of a breastfed baby is yellow and loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy. After 4 - 6 weeks, some babies stool less frequently, with stools as infrequent as one every 7-10 days. As long as baby is gaining well, this is normal.

Wet diapers: Expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. To feel what a sufficiently wet diaper is like, pour 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water into a clean diaper. A piece of tissue in a disposable diaper will help you determine if the diaper is wet. After 6 weeks, wet diapers may drop to 4-5/day but amount of urine will increase to 4-6+ tablespoons (60-90+ mL) as baby's bladder capacity grows.

Milk supply?

Some moms worry about milk supply. As long as baby is gaining well on mom's milk alone, then milk supply is good. Between weight checks, a sufficient number of wet and dirty diapers will indicate that baby is getting enough milk.
This information is also found as part of the professional Breastfeeding Logs.
Additional information

@
Breastfeeding Logs Hunger Cues - When do I feed baby? Resources: Is Baby Getting Enough Milk? Normal Growth of Breastfed Babies Breastfeeding Basics
Information is Your Ally in preparing to breastfeed: 10 Tips for Success by Eva Lyford
Tips for juggling a newborn and toddler Frequent Nursing
Worried about milk supply?
How does milk production work? Is your milk supply really low? My breasts feel empty! Has my milk supply decreased? How can I find help for my breastfeeding problem?
@ other websites

The Importance of Colostrum by Paula Yount

Baby Explains- Normal Newborn Behavior by Diana Cassar-Uhl, IBCLC

It's Not Just About Breastfeeding by Danielle Rigg, JD CLC

What is Normal? by Paula Yount

Breastfeeding as Baby Grows by Becky Flora, IBCLC

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Breastfeeding your newborn - what to expect in the early weeks * KellyMom.com

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Frequent nursing encourages good milk supply and reduces engorgement. Aim for breastfeeding at least 10 - 12 times per day (24 hours). You CAN'T breastfeed too often--you CAN breastfeed too little. Nurse at the first signs of hunger (stirring, rooting, hands in mouth)--don't wait until baby is crying.

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Southwark & Lambeth online antenatal class - Preparing to Feed Your Baby

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Southwark & Lambeth online antenatal class - Preparing to Feed Your Baby

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Lambeth drop ins

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Lambeth drop ins

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1. You know when a friend makes you a cup of coffee exactly how you like it? Breast milk is like that for your baby. It changes over time to make sure it's just right (Victora et al, 2016; NHS, 2017).

2. Breast milk can help to reduce the risk of your baby getting infections and diseases by breastfeeding (NHS, 2017).

3. Breastfeeding can be really handy and you can do it anywhere (NHS, 2017).

4. Breastfeeding is a way of bonding with your baby - giving you time together (NHS, 2017).

5. Breastmilk fact: breast milk is a bioactive fluid (Martin et al, 2016). It contains proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals plus antibodies to fight germs. It also contains hormones that help your baby's development (Victora et al, 2016).

6. If you can breastfeed your baby, they have a lower risk of ear, respiratory and gastro-intestinal infections and diarrhoea (Victora et al, 2016; Bowatte et al, 2015). Meaning a healthier baby and fewer trips to the hospital for you both (NHS, 2017).

7. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (Victora et al, 2016).

8. Premature babies who can drink their mum's breastmilk have a lower risk of necrotising enterocolitis (Colaizy et al, 2016; NHS 2016), a potentially dangerous bowel disorder.

9. It's not all about the baby: breastfeeding reduces your risk of obesity and of type 2 diabetes (Horta et al, 2015; Victora et al, 2016).

10. Major plus: fewer children who had breastmilk as babies develop childhood leukemia.

11. Random one but babies who receive breastmilk have a lower risk of dental malocclusions. This is where the upper teeth bite over the lower ones (and in some cases the jaw too), it can cause tooth decay (Victora et al, 2016).

12. Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis, an inflammation inside the nose caused by allergens (Lodge et al, 2015).

13. Breastfeeding could help your baby enjoy more foods. The flavour of breastmilk changes, while formula remains constant so by the time it comes to weaning, your baby could be more used to different flavours.

14. When your six month plus baby is ill, they might be comforted by a breastfeed, which then means they'll probably recover more quickly.

15. You can battle food allergies with breastfeeding. Continuing to breastfeed your baby after they've started solids may protect them from being allergic to certain foods (Baby Centre 2017).

16. If your baby gets a cold, you'll then get the cold virus from them but your immune system will make antibodies to fight the virus. Then through your milk, those antibodies will help your baby fight the infection themselves (Baby Centre 2017).

17. Breastfeeding is free. Let's not underestimate the importance of this one.

18. Breastmilk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They help your baby's all-important brain to develop (Baby Centre 2017).

19. Your own risk of ovarian or breast cancer reduces if you can breastfeed your baby (Victora et al, 2016; NHS, 2017).

20. While there's no evidence breastfeeding will help you shed weight anywhere else, it will help your uterus return to its normal size.

21. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of your baby wheezing and developing severe eczema (Baby Centre 2017).

22. Mums who can breastfeed won't see the return of their periods quite so soon. This can be handy as it may assist with birth spacing (Victora et al, 2016).

23. With no packaging or plastic, breastfeeding doesn't have an impact on the environment (Kent, 2015).

Further information

NCT supports all parents, however they feed their baby. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our support line on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk. Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions. You can also find more useful articles here.

Our support line offers practical and emotional support in many areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

National Breastfeeding Line (government funded): 0300 100 021.

Bowatte, G. et al (2015). Breastfeeding and childhood acute otitis media: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica, Special Issue: Impact of Breastfeeding on Maternal and Child Health. Volume 104, Issue Supplement S467, pages 85-95

Chowdhury, R. et al (2015). Breastfeeding and maternal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica, Special Issue: Impact of Breastfeeding on Maternal and Child Health. Volume 104, Issue Supplement S467, pages 96-113.

Colaizy, T, et al (2016), Impact of optimised breastfeeding on the costs of necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birthweight infants, Journal of Pediatrics, doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.03.040

GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust) (2016) Necrotising enterocolitis. Available at: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/medical-information/search-medical-conditions/necrotising-enterocolitis

Horta, B.L. et al (2015). Long-term consequences of breastfeeding on cholesterol, obesity, systolic blood pressure and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica, Special Issue: Impact of Breastfeeding on Maternal and Child Health. Volume 104, Issue Supplement S467, pages 30-37.

Kent, G. (2015). Global infant formula: monitoring and regulating the impacts to protect human health. International Breastfeeding Journal, 10, 6. http://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-014-0020-7. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4362817/

Kramer MS, Kakuma R. (2012) Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD003517. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003517.pub2. Available at: http://www.cochrane.org/CD003517/PREG_optimal-duration-of-exclusive-breastfeeding

Lodge, C.J. et al (2015) Breastfeeding and asthma and allergies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica, Special Issue: Impact of Breastfeeding on Maternal and Child Health. Volume 104, Issue Supplement S467, pages 38-53.

Martin, C. R., Ling, P.-R., & Blackburn, G. L. (2016). Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula. Nutrients, 8(5), 279. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu8050279.

NHS (2017a) Benefits of breastfeeding. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/benefits-breastfeeding.aspx

NHS (2017b) Premature labour and birth. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/premature-early-labour/

Peters, s et al (2017) Breastfeeding and the Risk of Maternal Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Study of 300 000 Chinese Women. Journal of the American Heart Association. Available at: http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/6/6/e006081

Sankar, M. J. et al (2015). Optimal breastfeeding practices and infant and child mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica, Special Issue: Impact of Breastfeeding on Maternal and Child Health. Volume 104, Issue Supplement S467, pages 3-13

Victora, Cesar G et al (2016) Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, Volume 387 , Issue 10017 , 475 - 490. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)01024-7/fulltext

World Health Organisation (WHO) (2017) Breastfeeding. Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/

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Benefits of breastfeeding | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Find out more about breastfeeding and how to seek support if you need it.

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It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to feed your baby. But you do not have to make up your mind until your baby is born.
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are:

your breast milk meets all of your baby's nutritional needs

breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases

breastfeeding provides health benefits for you

breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it

breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby

Formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness and does not give you any health benefits.

Health benefits of breastfeeding for your baby

Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood.

Any amount of breast milk has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits.

Breastfeeding can help to reduce your baby's risk of:

Giving nothing but breast milk is recommended for about the first 6 months (26 weeks) of your baby's life.

After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside solid foods for as long as you and your baby want will help them grow and develop healthily.

Breast milk adapts as your baby grows to meet your baby's changing needs.

Health benefits of breastfeeding for you

Breastfeeding and making breast milk also has health benefits for you. The more you breastfeed, the greater the benefits.

Breastfeeding lowers your risk of:

Got a breastfeeding question?

Sign in to Facebook and message the Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend chatbot for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice anytime, day or night.

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Breastfeeding has lots of health benefits for your new baby, including fewer infections and a lower risk of obesity, as well as protecting you from some cancers and other health problems, too.

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Parenting styles and approaches | Information and support on life as a parent | NCT

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

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

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Sorry, this page is no longer available.The page you are trying to view may have been removed or you don’t have permission to view it. How about one of these instead?	Search for NCT courses & workshops	Find your local branch and discover events in your area	Browse articles on pregnancy, labour &…

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Human milk science - Human Milk Foundation

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Read the science behind human milk that is essential for long-term health, resilience against future infections and non-communicable diseases.

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Bonding and caring for your baby | Information and support on life as a parent | NCT

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The following studies explore emerging and growing evidence that genetics, prenatal environments, delivery modes and early postnatal environments including feeding method can affect the infant microbiome, with significant implications for the infant immune system and both short- and long-term health outcomes. Find out more in our Breastfeeding and Relationship Building course.
Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A lifespan perspective
Mounting evidence suggests that communication between the gut and the brain could be the key to understanding multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, with the immune system coming to the forefront as an important mechanistic mediator. Throughout the lifespan, the immune system exchanges continuous reciprocal signals with the central nervous system. Intestinal microbial cues alter immune mediators with consequences for host neurophysiology and behaviour. Several factors challenge the gut microbiota composition, which in response release molecules with neuro- and immuno-active potential that are crucial for adequate neuro-immune interactions. In this review, multiple factors contributing to the upkeep of the fine balance between health and disease of these systems are discussed, and we elucidate the potential mechanistic implications for the gut microbiota inputs on host brain and behaviour across the lifespan.
Ratsika, et al. 2023. Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A lifespan perspective, Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 78, 2023, 102652, ISSN 0959-4388, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2022.102652. Altered Gut Microbiome and Fecal Immune Phenotype in Early Preterm Infants With Leaky Gut
Intestinal barrier immaturity is the proximate cause of susceptibility to necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. This study investigated the fecal cytokine profile and gut microbiota in a cohort of 40 early preterm infants <33-weeks-gestation to identify immune markers of intestinal barrier maturation. Results demonstrated the critical role of both immunological and microbiological factors in the early development of intestinal barrier that collectively shape the intestinal microenvironment influencing gut homeostasis and postnatal intestinal maturation in early preterm newborns.
Lemme-Dumit Jose M., et al. 2022. Altered Gut Microbiome and Fecal Immune Phenotype in Early Preterm Infants With Leaky Gut. Frontiers in Immunology. Volume 13. DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2022.815046 Bifidobacterium species associated with breastfeeding produce aromatic lactic acids in the infant gut
Findings from this study demonstrate that breastmilk-promoted Bifidobacterium species convert aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine) into their respective aromatic lactic acids (indolelactic acid, phenyllactic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid) via a previously unrecognised aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (ALDH), suggesting that these microbial metabolites may impact immune function in early life
Laursen, M.F., Sakanaka, M., von Burg, N. et al. Bifidobacterium species associated with breastfeeding produce aromatic lactic acids in the infant gut. Nat Microbiol 6, 1367-1382 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-021-00970-4 Frequent use of antimicrobial drugs in early life shifts bacterial profiles in saliva
The Finnish Health in Teens study (Fin-HIT) is a cohort study including over 11,000 Finnish adolescents. In the most recent Fin-HIT study, researchers tried to find the associations of lifelong AMs use with saliva microbiota diversity and composition in preadolescents. They used data from 808 randomly selected children in the Fin-HIT cohort with objective register data on AM purchases from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA). Results found that on average, the children had 7.4 AM purchases during their lifespan until on average 12 years. The four most commonly used AMs were amoxicillin (43.7 %), azithromycin (24.9 %), amoxicillin-clavulanate (18.7 %) and phenoxymethylpenicillin (6.8 %). The strongest associations were presented with azithromycin that is used for example to middle ear infections, strep throat and pneumonia.
University of Helsinki. "Frequent use of antimicrobial drugs in early life shifts bacterial profiles in saliva." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 August 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200824105926.htm>. Composition and variation of the human milk microbiota are influenced by maternal and early-life factors
This study of 393 mother-infant dyads from the CHILD cohort explored the factors affecting the complex community of bacteria in breastmilk, which may in turn help seed the infant gut microbiota. Researchers found that milk microbiota composition and diversity were associated with maternal factors (BMI, parity, and mode of delivery), breastfeeding practices, and other milk components in a sex-specific manner. Causal modeling identified mode of breastfeeding as a key determinant of milk microbiota composition. Specifically, providing pumped breastmilk was consistently associated with multiple microbiota parameters including enrichment of potential pathogens and depletion of bifidobacteria. The findings also support the hypothesis that infant oral cavity, rather than mother's own gut microbiome, impacts the milk microbiota.

Moossavi, S, Sepehri, S, Robertson, B, et al (2019). Composition and Variation of the Human Milk Microbiota Are Influenced by Maternal and Early-Life Factors. Cell Host & Microbe, doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2019.01.011.

Read a summary of this study: https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/a-new-study-sheds-light-on-maternal-and-infant-factors-that-shape-breast-milk-microbiome/
Infant Feeding and the Developmental Origins of Chronic Disease in the CHILD Cohort: Role of Human Milk Bioactives and Gut Microbiota
This article provides a useful summary of recent studies exploring potential links between early life exposures and the development of chronic diseases such as allergies, asthma and obesity. In particular, the studies highlight the potential for infant feeding method to impact the infant gut microbiota and so later health. Summaries of some of the studies featured in this article can be found on this page, as well as on our asthma and overweight/obesity research pages.
Azad, M, (2019). Infant Feeding and the Developmental Origins of Chronic Disease in the CHILD Cohort: Role of Human Milk Bioactives and Gut Microbiota. Breastfeeding Medicine, doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2019.0029 Impact of early events and lifestyle on the gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes in young school-age children
This study of infants from the KOALA Birth Cohort found that breastfeeding duration in early life and pre-school dietary lifestyle correlated with the composition and functional competences of the gut microbiota in children at school age. The researchers' findings also suggest that distinct metabolic responses to dietary lifestyle are strongly governed by the composition and functional potentials of the gut microbiota, implying that stratification of children according to gut microbiota enterotypes may well be included in future investigations on the relationship between dietary intake and metabolic health in children.
Zhong, H, Penders, J, Shi, Z, et al, (2019). Impact of early events and lifestyle on the gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes in young school-age children. Microbiome, doi.org/10.1186/s40168-018-0608-z Early life gut microbiome as an obesity and type 1 diabetes predictor
This article highlights three studies recently published which explore the impact of the gut microbiome on health. One study (Stanislawski et al) found an association between early life gut microbiota, particularly at two years of age, and BMI at age 12 in a Norwegian prospective cohort. The other two studies were part of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study, exploring the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). One study (Stewart et al) found that receipt of breast milk, either exclusive or partial, was the most significant factor associated with the microbiome structure and that birth mode was also significantly associated with the microbiome during the developmental phase. The researchers found subtle associations between microbial taxonomy and the development of islet autoimmunity or T1D. The other study (Vatanen et al) found that children who developed T1D later in childhood had different microbial features than those who didn't develop it; for example the gut microbiome of children who did not develop T1D later in childhood contained more genes related to fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production, whose protective role in metabolic conditions have been shown previously. The findings suggest that the early life gut microbiome may help identify children who are at risk of obesity or T1D and may support prevention efforts.
https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/early-life-gut-microbiome-as-an-obesity-and-type-1-diabetes-predictor/ Stanislawski, M, Dabelea, D, Wagner, B, et al, (2018). Gut Microbiota in the First 2 Years of Life and the Association with Body Mass Index at Age 12 in a Norwegian Birth Cohort. American Society for Microbiology, DOI: 10.1128/mBio.01751-18 Stewart, C, Ajami, N, et al (2018). Temporal development of the gut microbiome in early childhood from the TEDDY study. Nature, doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0617-x Vatanen, T, Franzosa, E, Schwager, R, et al (2018). The human gut microbiome in early-onset type 1 diabetes from the TEDDY study. Nature, doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0620-2 Meta-analysis of effects of exclusive breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota across populations
This study performed a meta-analysis of seven microbiome studies (1825 stool samples from 684 infants) to compare the gut microbiota of exclusively breastfed (EBF) and non-EBF infants across populations. The authors found that compared with EBF infants, non-EBF infants had increased microbial diversity and microbiota age, and altered microbial composition and functions. EBF was found to have a protective effect on the infant gut microbiota during diarrheal episodes, and gut microbiota differences between EBF and non-EBF infants persisted after 6 months. The researchers conclude that the findings help explain some mechanisms of short and long-term benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
Nahn T. Ho, Fan Li et al, (2018). Meta-analysis of effects of exclusive breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota across populations, Nature Communications, 9, Article number: 4169 Association of exposure to formula in the hospital and subsequent infant feeding practices with gut microbiota and risk of overweight in the first year of life
This study found that among 1087 infants from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) cohort, earlier cessation of breastfeeding and supplementation with formula (more so than complementary foods) were associated with a dose-dependent increase in risk of overweight by age 12 months; this association was partially explained by specific gut microbiota features at 3 to 4 months. Subtle but significant microbiota differences were observed after brief exposure to formula limited to the birth hospital stay, but these differences were not associated with overweight.
Forbes, J, Azad, B, et al, (2018). Association of Exposure to Formula in the Hospital and Subsequent Infant Feeding Practices With Gut Microbiota and Risk of Overweight in the First Year of Life. JAMA Paediatrics, doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.1161 A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
This review explores the multifactorial causation of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It argues that there are three stages to the development of the disease: an initial genetic mutation that takes place in the womb; a lack of exposure to microbes in the first year of life; a childhood infection which can cause immune system malfunction. The study highlights the important role that microbes play in determining health outcomes, as well as the value of breastfeeding in supporting the development of these microbes in an infant's gut.
Greaves, Mel, (2018). A causal mechanism for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Nature Reviews Cancer, doi.org/10.1038/s41568-018-0015-6
Further analysis of this review available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-44199844

Older research

Association between breast milk bacterial communities and establishment and development of the infant gut microbiome
Pannaraj, P.S. et al (2017), Association Between Breast Milk Bacterial Communities and Establishment and Development of the Infant Gut Microbiome. JAMA Pediatrics, doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.0378

The microbiome in early life: implications for health outcomes
Tamburini, S, et al (2016). The microbiome in early life: implications for health outcomes, Nature Medicine, doi: 10.1038/nm.4142

Childbirth and consequent atopic disease: emerging evidence on epigenetic effects based on the hygiene and EPIIC hypotheses

Dahlen, HG, et al (2016). Childbirth and consequent atopic disease: emerging evidence on epigenetic effects based on the hygiene and EPIIC hypotheses, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0768-9

The infant microbiome development: mom matters

Mueller, NT, et al (2014), The infant microbiome development: mom matters, Trends in Molecular Medicine, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2014.12.002

Cesarean Section and Chronic Immune Disorders
Sevelsted, A, et al (2014). Cesarean Section and Chronic Immune Disorders, Pediatrics, doi:10.1542/peds.2014-0596

Epigenetic effects of human breast milk
Verduci, E, et al (2014). Epigenetic Effects of Human Breast Milk, Nutrients, doi: 10.3390/nu6041711

Natural Childbirth and Breastfeeding as Preventive Measures of Immune- Microbiome Dysbiosis and Misregulated Inflammation
Dietert, RR (2013). Natural Childbirth and Breastfeeding as Preventive Measures of Immune-Microbiome Dysbiosis and Misregulated Inflammation. Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine, doi: 10.4172/2329-8731.1000103

An overview of epigenetics in nursing
Clark, A, et al (2013). An overview of epigenetics in nursing, The Nursing Clinics of North America, doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2013.08.004

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Emerging research: Epigenetics and the microbiome - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These studies explore how genetics, prenatal environments, delivery modes and early postnatal environments including feeding method affect the infant microbiome and lifelong health.

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Below is a selection of studies exploring the impact of skin-to-skin contact on infant and maternal health. Find out more about how skin-to-skin works.
Mother-infant contact after birth can reduce postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms through a reduction in birth-related fear and guilt
This longitudinal study from Israel aimed to further research on the negative effects of posttraumatic stress symptoms following childbirth (PTSS-FC) by examining the protective factors for PTSS-FC. Guilt and fear during birth mediated the association between mode of birth (instrumental or cesarean versus vaginal) and PTSS-FC. Skin-to-skin contact was related to reduced feelings of guilt and fear during birth, especially for women who had a cesarean section. Results emphasise the importance of the implementation of skin-to-skin contact following childbirth, and especially following a cesarean section as recommended by the Baby Friendly Health Initiative.
Immediate skin-to-skin contact may have beneficial effects on the cardiorespiratory stabilisation in very preterm infants Affectionate Touch in the Context of Breastfeeding and Maternal Depression Influences Infant Neurodevelopmental and Temperamental Substrates
This study examines the interactive effects of maternal depression and breastfeeding on mother and infant affectionate touch, as well as infant temperament and cortical maturation patterns across early development. A total of 113 mothers and their infants aged between 1 and 3 months were assessed to determine levels of maternal depressive symptoms, feeding, and temperament. Tonic EEG patterns (asymmetry and left and right activity) were collected, with data analysis showing that EEG activity and mother-infant affectionate touch differed as a function of mood and feeding method. Notably, only infants of depressed mothers that bottle-fed showed right frontal EEG asymmetry and attenuated change in the left frontal region across 3 months. Breastfeeding positively impacted affectionate touch behaviors and was associated with increased left and decreased right frontal EEG activation even for depressed groups, suggesting that breastfeeding and the infant's positive temperament influence mother-infant affectionate touch patterns and result in neuroprotective outcomes for infants, even those exposed to maternal depression within early development.
Hardin, JS. et al. 2021. Affectionate Touch in the Context of Breastfeeding and Maternal Depression Influences Infant Neurodevelopmental and Temperamental Substrates. Neuropsychobiology 2021;80:158-175. https://doi.org/10.1159/000511604 Immediate "Kangaroo Mother Care" and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight
Findings from a new study coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrate that initiation of kangaroo mother care (KMC) alongside skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding dramatically improves survival outcomes for preterm or low-weight babies when started immediately after birth. Outcomes suggest that early initiation of KMC could save up to 150,000 more lives each year.
The WHO is currently in the process of reviewing its 2015 recommendations on initiating KMC upon stabilisation of the infant in light of the new evidence that has become available. You can read more on this study on the Baby Friendly blog. Effect of Community-Initiated Kangaroo Mother Care on Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Stress Among Mothers of Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Approximately 1 in 5 women in low- and middle-income countries experience postpartum depression, and the risk is higher among mothers of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is effective in improving survival among LBW infants, but the benefits of KMC for mothers are not well described. This randomised clinical trial explores whether the practice of community-initiated kangaroo mother care (ciKMC), an intervention encompassing skin-to-skin-contact and exclusive breastfeeding, during the neonatal period reduces the risk of moderate-to-severe postpartum depressive symptoms among mothers of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. The trial included 1950 mothers of stable LBW infants from low-income areas in India, with findings suggesting that ciKMC practice may substantially reduce the risk of moderate-to-severe maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. This evidence supports KMC as an intervention to be incorporated in essential newborn care programs in low- and middle-income settings.
Synchronous caregiving from birth to adulthood tunes humans' social brain Positive Effects of Kangaroo Mother Care on Long-Term Breastfeeding Rates, Growth and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants
This study investigates the impact of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on breastfeeding and health outcomes in preterm infants and concludes that KMC effects are significant in promoting a higher proportion of mothers' milk used during hospitalisation, less feeding intolerance at discharge, higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, improved growth and neurodevelopment.
Wang Y, Zhao T, Zhang Y, Li S, Cong X. Positive Effects of Kangaroo Mother Care on Long-Term Breastfeeding Rates, Growth, and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Feb 2. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2020.0358. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33533688. The effects of kangaroo mother care on the time to breastfeeding initiation among preterm and LBW infants: a meta-analysis of published studies
This review of studies found that preterm and low birthweight infants receiving a kangaroo mother care intervention initiated breastfeeding 2 days 14 h 24 min earlier than infants who received the "conventional" care of the radiant warmer/incubator method.
Mekonnen, A, Yehualashet, S and Bayleyegn, D, (2019). The effects of kangaroo mother care on the time to breastfeeding initiation among preterm and low birthweight infants: a meta-analysis of published studies. International Breastfeeding Journal, doi.org/10.1186/s13006-019-0206-0 Effects of paternal skin-to-skin contact in newborns and fathers after cesarean delivery
This study of neonates born via elective cesarean delivery and their fathers investigated the effects of paternal skin-to-skin contact (SSC) on newborns and fathers after cesarean delivery. Newborns who received SSC shortly after delivery had a more stable heart rate and forehead temperature, less duration of crying, and started feeding behavior earlier. The duration of breastfeeding after SSC in the treatment group was longer as well, with statistical significance, than the control group. In addition, fathers in the treatment group had lower scores of anxiety and depression and better role attainment than those in the control group, with statistical significance.
Xiaoli Huang, Liling Chen, & Li Zhang, (2019). Effects of paternal skin-to-skin contact in newborns and fathers after cesarean delivery. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing 2019, 33 (1): 68-73 Hospital breastfeeding support and exclusive breastfeeding by maternal pre‐Kair, L, Nickel, N, Jones, K, et al, (2019). Hospital breastfeeding support and exclusive breastfeeding by maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI. Maternal & Child Nutrition, doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12783 pregnancy BMI
This US study explored the impact of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding on supporting breastfeeding amongst mothers with obesity, who have disproportionately lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding than mothers who are not obese. Researchers found that holding babies in skin-to-skin contact for the first time and being encouraged to feed on demand were more strongly associated with exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with obesity than other mothers. Additionally, mothers with obesity reported holding babies skin‐to‐skin significantly less often than other mothers. They concluded that interventions aimed at helping mothers with obesity to hold their babies skin‐to‐skin in the first hour and teaching them to breastfeed on demand have the potential to decrease the breastfeeding disparities in this population.
Stevens, J, Schmied, V, et al (2018). Who owns the baby? A video ethnography of skin-to-skin contact after a caesarean section. Women and Birth, doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2018.02.005
Older research
Cadwell, K, Brimdyr, K, et al (2018). Mapping, measuring, and analyzing the process of skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding in the first hour after birth. Breastfeeding Medicine, doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2018.0048

Who owns the baby? A video ethnography of skin-to-skin contact after a caesarean section
Brimdyr, K, Cadwell, K, et al, (2017). An implementation algorithm to improve skin‐to‐skin practice in the first hour after birth. Maternal & Child Nutrition, doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12571

Mapping, measuring, and analyzing the process of skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding in the first hour after birth
Lau, Y, et al (2017), An analysis of the effects of intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, and skin-to-skin contact on early breastfeeding initiation, Maternal & Child Nutrition, DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12492

An implementation algorithm to improve skin‐to‐skin practice in the first hour after birth
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003519.pub4/full

An analysis of the effects of intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, and skin-to-skin contact on early breastfeeding initiation
Charpak, N (2016), Twenty-year Follow-up of Kangaroo Mother Care Versus Traditional Care. Pediatrics 139(1):e20162063

Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants
Crenshaw, JT, (2014). Healthy Birth Practice #6: Keep Mother and Baby Together- It's Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding, Journal of Perinatal Education, doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.23.4.211

Kangaroo mother care for preterm infants

Healthy Birth Practice #6: Keep Mother and Baby Together - It's Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding

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Research on skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Latest research on the importance of skin-to-skin contact for supporting feeding and the development of close, loving parent-infant relationships.

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Is this normal?  First week with your newborn

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Is this normal?  First week with your newborn

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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Attaching Your Baby at the Breast - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding

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Positions for Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding Series

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How to Express Breastmilk – Breastfeeding Series

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Community doctor attends Royal Garden Party and meets The Duchess of Cambridge

Dr Bidisha Lahoti, our Clinical Director for Children's Community Services, attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 18 May.

Rare birthmark condition diagnosed by experts at Evelina London

A family has thanked specialists at Evelina London for saving their daughter's life, after a rare birthmark was found to be growing in her airways.

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Evelina London Children's Hospital and community services are part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. We are the second largest provider of children's services in London. Our vision is to be a world leading centre of life-changing care for children, young people and their families.

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Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

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Maternity: care during pregnancy - What to expect

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Information about what to expect from your maternity care with us during pregnancy.

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King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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The comprehensive services at King's College Hospital cover the entire range of care for birthing women and people in our hospitals and community clinics, and in your home.

We are here to support you and your family throughout all aspects of obstetric and midwifery care, from pre-conception, pregnancy (antenatal) to birth and the postnatal period.
Book your maternity care with us

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Maternity - King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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The comprehensive services at King's College Hospital cover the entire range of care for birthing women and people in our hospitals and community clinics, and in your home. We are here to support you and your family throughout all aspects [...]

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The Breastfeeding Network | Independent Breastfeeding Support

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The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) is an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others.

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Skin-to-skin care (SSC) is a biologically normal practice. It consists of placing an unclothed or diaper-only newborn baby chest-to-chest with mother immediately after delivery and keeping them together for at least the first hour after birth, whether the mother has had a vaginal or cesarean birth and regardless of the feeding method planned. This practice is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This is an important component of family-centered care.

Immediate SSC for a minimum of one hour after birth is one of the most effective methods for promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Babies who have early SSC are more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge, exclusively breastfed after discharge, and breastfed for longer durations.

Reasons why SSC is important for baby and mother:

Keeps mother and baby together.

Promotes bonding between mother and baby.

Provides for earlier initiation of the first breastfeeding experience.

Reduces crying.

Helps baby maintain body temperature better than a hospital warmer, as your body will alter your own temperature to warm or cool the baby to maintain a normal temperature.

Helps regulate baby's breathing and heart rate.

Helps keep baby's blood sugar level stable.

"Normalizes" a difficult or surgical birth.

Decreases pain for baby from any procedures done while skin-to-skin.

Reduces postpartum hemorrhage in mother.

Can reduce maternal stress and postpartum depression.

Increases the probability of breastfeeding as well as the length of time you will breastfeed your baby beyond the hospital time.

Skin-to-skin right after birth:

Mother is in a slightly reclined position.

Baby is placed on mother's abdomen, dried, and covered with a blanket until the cord is clamped.

Once the cord is clamped, baby is placed chest-to-chest with mother and remains there uninterrupted for at least one hour and preferably until the first breastfeeding is completed. This provides optimal physiological stability.

Baby's face is easily visible and uncovered, neck is straight, knees are bent.

Baby may be naked or diapered.

Baby can be dried during process of placing skin-to-skin then baby and mother are covered by a warmed blanket.

Other tests like Apgar scoring can be done while baby is being held skin-to-skin.

Most other "standard procedures," like a Vitamin K shot, can be done while baby is on mother's chest.

Baby's measurements can be delayed for up to six hours - they are not going to change dramatically in that time frame.

Time in a warmer will not be needed since mother's body will keep baby warm.

Baby and mother are monitored by nursing staff during SSC.

Mother notices baby's feeding cues, like rooting or sucking on hands, and can guide baby to breast for first feeding.

SSC can continue as mother and baby are moved from the labor suite to the postpartum setting with proper observation for safety.

Continued SSC:

Regardless the birth setting - hospital, birth center or home - SSC can be part of the normal care of the newborn.

The more that mother and baby are together, the easier it is for mother to recognize baby's early feeding cues, more frequently baby will breastfeed, and a greater milk volume will be stimulated.

Mothers who "room-in" in the hospital will tend to practice SSC more frequently.

Mothers who practice SSC report greater confidence in their ability to feed and care for their baby.

Babies who "room-in" have more quiet sleep than those who are separated.

Remember that SSC can continue past the birth period and early postpartum. Many mothers have found that snuggling baby skin-to-skin can be soothing at any time and any age.

Mothers often ask:

How safe is SSC?

Very safe when mother and baby are positioned properly and observed.

There is nursing staff there to observe mother and baby to monitor temperature, heart rate, respiration, as well as assessing for any unusual health issues.

I'm expecting twins. Can I still do SSC?

Absolutely! Each one is positioned side-to-side, one over each breast.

Studies have shown that the temperature of each breast will rise or fall to warm to cool each baby independently

What if I'm not feeling well enough?

Let staff know if you are not feeling well enough to hold your baby.

Allow your support person for labor hold the baby skin-to-skin until you are ready.

How does this work if I have a cesarean?

Check your hospital's policy to be sure they are set up for this practice.

If it is a planned cesarean, you can arrange to have your support person with you to hold the baby skin-to-skin until you are ready.

Your baby will be placed on your chest, above the drape. Many hospitals are set up to have SSC begin even while your incision is being closed. Your support person can help with positioning as needed.

What if my baby comes early?

If the baby will be going to the mother-baby floor with you, you can begin SSC right after birth and any specific medical checks needed due to the early arrival.

If the baby is premature and going to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you can begin SSC as soon as baby is stable enough to be held outside the isolette. (See "Skin-to-Skin Care in the NICU" create link)

How do I find out my hospital's policy for SSC?

Ask your OB or midwife about their practice with regards to skin-to-skin. They can tell you if there are any limitations at the facility you have chosen for your birth.

Attend a prepared childbirth class. The instructor will have a good sense of the practices of the hospitals in your area.

If you are preparing a birth plan, include this request in your plan.

If the hospital where you plan to deliver does not have SSC as part of their standard of care for childbirth, ask your healthcare team to advocate for you. If you chose another hospital or practice, make sure you let them know why you have made the switch.

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Skin-to-Skin Care - La Leche League International

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Skin-to-skin care (SSC) is a biologically normal practice. It consists of placing an unclothed or diaper-only newborn baby chest-to-chest with mother

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By Kelly Bonyata, BS, IBCLC

Babies should be fed when they indicate hunger. Crying is a late indicator of hunger - breastfeeding is much easier for both mom and baby if mom is able to pick up on baby's earlier hunger cues.

Common infant hunger cues include:

Early

Smacking or licking lips

Opening and closing mouth

Sucking on lips, tongue, hands, fingers, toes, toys, or clothing

Active

Rooting around on the chest of whoever is carrying him

Trying to position for nursing, either by lying back or pulling on your clothes

Fidgeting or squirming around a lot

Hitting you on the arm or chest repeatedly

Fussing or breathing fast

Late (calm baby before feeding)

Moving head frantically from side to side

Crying

"My newborn wants to sleep all the time! Should I wake him to nurse?"

Yes, if he doesn't wake on his own. Many newborns are very sleepy in the early days or weeks and may not exhibit hunger cues as often as they actually need to eat. Newborns should be nursed anytime they cue hunger, but at least every 2 hours during the day and at least once during the night. Once your baby has established a good weight gain pattern (at least 4 ounces per week, for babies under 4 months), you can stop waking baby to nurse and let him set his own pattern.

"My baby just started sleeping longer at night. Do I need to wake him to nurse?"

If your baby is younger than 4 weeks, then it is a good idea to wake baby at least every 4-5 hours at night to nurse if he does not wake on his own. If your child is older than 4 weeks, you can allow baby to sleep as long as he wants at night as long as he is peeing, pooping, and gaining weight within normal parameters.

"My baby frequently sucks on his hands. Does this always mean that he's hungry?"

After the newborn period, hand sucking is not as reliable an indicator of hunger. Starting at around 6-8 weeks, baby will begin to gain more control over his hands and will soon begin to explore his hands and everything else using his mouth. It is also common for babies to suck on their hands when their gums become tender in preparation for tooth eruption. Symptoms of teething can sometimes occur weeks and even months before the first tooth erupts. More here on teething.

More information:

Signs That Your Baby Is Hungry, a video from baby gooroo's Amy Spangler, RN, MN, IBCLC

Newborn hunger cues video from janellevideo

Baby feeding cues (great photo handout here), from Queensland Health

Infant Hunger Cues, from Lactation Education Resources

Feeding Cues, from the Australian Breastfeeding Association

The Clock and Early Breastfeeding, by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA

Nursing your newborn - what to expect in the early weeks @ KellyMom

Should baby be on a schedule? Links @ KellyMom

Examining the Evidence for Cue Feeding Breastfed Infants by Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC and Jan Barger, MA, RN, IBCLC

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Hunger Cues - When do I feed baby? * KellyMom.com

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Babies should be fed when they indicate hunger. Crying is a late indicator of hunger - breastfeeding is much easier for both mom and baby if mom is able to pick up on baby's earlier hunger cues. Common infant hunger cues include:...

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Practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers.

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NHS Parent Education in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Romanian, and Somali. For women accessing maternity care at: St Thomas’, Kings College, Princess Royal University (PRUH) , Lewisham University Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals

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Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk – Breastfeeding Series

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Eventbrite - Kings College Hospital Maternity presents Colostrum Harvesting - Wednesday, 2 August 2023 | Wednesday, 13 August 2025 - Find event and ticket information.

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Infant Feeding and relationship building classes at GSTT

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Infant Feeding and relationship building classes at GSTT

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Responsive Parenting and Introduction to infant feeding

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Building positive relationships with your baby, antenatal colostrum harvesting, introduction to infant feeding, safe sleep

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It is now widely recognised that what happens in the first 1001 days of life are incredibly important. Children's brains develop fastest and are at their most 'plastic' or adaptable in the womb and early years of life. During this time, many millions of neural connections are made and then pruned. This builds the architecture of the brain upon which other forms of development will rest.

Babies' development is strongly influenced by their experiences of the world. These are shaped by their primary caregivers (usually their parents). Parent-infant relationships are vitally important.

" Young children experience their world as an environment of relationships, and these relationships affect virtually all aspects of their development."

Babies are reliant on parents to respond to their needs. Parents who are tuned-in and able to respond to babies' needs sensitively in an appropriate and timely way, support their early development in profound ways:

Parents' responses shape how babies experience their emotions and how they learn to regulate and express these emotions. If someone responds sensitively to a baby when they cry, for example, the baby learns that they matter, that they can rely on their parents to help them when they are upset, and how difficult emotions can be brought under control.

When babies receive appropriate comfort and care, they can feel safe and begin to explore the world around them, to play and learn.

When parents provide positive, playful interactions, and when they engage in play and activities such as singing and reading to their baby, this provides stimulation that helps a child to learn and develop.

Nurturing relationships begin before birth. The foetal brain is developing rapidly during pregnancy and is influenced by the physical environment of the mothers' womb, and the environment beyond it. Babies can experience adversity in the womb. For example, where domestic abuse is occurring, research shows that babies' stress regulation systems adapt accordingly, leaving them more responsive to threat but consequently more irritable and difficult to settle once they are born.

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Building Babies' Brains - Parent-Infant Foundation

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Early relationships between babies and their parents are incredibly important for building healthy brains The first 1001 days of life, from conception to age two, is a time of unique opportunity and vulnerability. It is a period of particularly rapid growth, when the foundations for later development are laid. "The...

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When can baby hear your voice in the womb

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When can baby hear your voice in the womb

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Mum

I usually play Punjabi music - baby starts rolling, kicking, taking different positions. My bump is going that way.

Dad

You actually see the bump move.

Trish - Health Visitor

At this stage in your pregnancy, the baby can hear your voices.That helps them feel calmer as well because it's voices that they're used to.

Cristina - SLT

Your baby really is listening, they're getting ready to be a language learner even before they're born. What your baby's tuning into first is something called prosody. This is the rhythm and pitch patterns of your speech, a bit like the tune of your voice. For example, English has a different tune to Japanese and your baby is already beginning to learn this.

Mum

We speak two languages which is Punjabi and English. I usually say "Is my baby hungry? Let's go into the kitchen and see what we can make today."

Cristina - SLT

By eighteen weeks your baby's ears are beginning to send signals to the brain about the sounds that they can hear. There's one sound above all else that they're learning about and that's the sound of their mum.

Mum

I usually spend most of the time at home so I just talk with baby bump.

Cristina - SLT

By 23 weeks they can hear the muffled sounds of their mum's voice and by 24 weeks they respond to that voice. Their mum's voice can calm them down and they can become more still as they listen to it.

Dad

Usually, whenever I come home from work before we eat,I usually sit and talk to the baby and just say, rub the baby and just go 'Hi baby, how's your day' things like that, just until the baby gets used to my voice.

Trish - Health Visitor

Yes absolutely.

Cristina - SLT

When it comes to recognising and processing speech it's the left temporal lobe of your baby's brain that is the most active part. When your baby hears their favourite people talking brain starts to develop important speech processing skills which set them up to be future word learners.

Dad

Haway pet, how you doing?

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When can baby hear your voice in the womb?

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By 24 weeks babies in the womb can respond to voices. Their mum's voice can calm them down and they can become more still as they listen to it.

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Babies love it when you sing them a rhyme or lullaby. Singing is great for soothing or entertaining them but it also helps them to learn and bond with you too.

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Did you know that a baby's brain starts making connections for speech and language while they're still in the womb?
It might not seem like it, but their brains are rapidly developing and using lots of energy. Even before they're born, they are picking up on the rhythms of language.

Dr Danielle Matthews, a developmental psychology specialist from The University of Sheffield, talked to us about baby brain development, language recognition and what we can do to help babies learn.

Video Transcript Video Transcript

It might not look like it but newborn babies are constantly using loads of energy. On what? Brain development! In the first few months, more new connections are made between neurons or nerve cells, then in any other time in our lives and the brain gets to full size faster than any other part of the body!

As adults, about a quarter of all the energy our body uses is spent on keeping our brains running, for babies though, it's double that! No wonder they get so tired.

Lots of the basics of language development happen in those first months too. Babies can hear the sounds of all languages but the more they hear a particular language, the more they tune into those sorts of sounds and become really good at recognising them.

That's why talking to your baby is so important, the more you chat, the more you're helping them to get their heads round how our language works. You could say you're helping to get their brain in shape!

When does a baby's brain start to develop?

A baby's brain starts developing in the womb and by the time the baby is born, they have most of the brain cells, or neurons, they need. As your baby grows, so do the connections between these neurons and this is what makes their brain grow. By the time they are a teenager, their brain will be about four times bigger than it was at birth. It will be wired up much more efficiently and have a special lining on their neural pathways, called myelin, which means that electrical messages can be sent about 100 times faster.

Learning is all about fine tuning connections across the brain. The main way this tuning happens is through experience.

"What is special about humans is that our brains take quite a long time to develop compared to other animals. This means they can be shaped by our experience of the environment, including interactions with other people, which is a big advantage," says Danielle.

In the first few days of their life, your baby will be tuning into their social environment. They will enjoy looking at faces, making eye contact and hearing your voice. So don't be embarrassed about using baby talk - they love it! All of this stimulation is great for building brain connections. From the moment your baby begins to develop and grow, so does their brain.

From early years right through adulthood, our brains never stop developing. The brain will stop growing in physical size but it continues forming connections throughout our lives.

How to help a baby's brain development during pregnancy

The most important thing you can do to help your baby's brain development while pregnant is to look after your health.A baby's healthy development can be affected by lots of different factors, so it's important that you think about:

Getting plenty of sleep and rest

Avoiding alcohol and other toxins

Limiting stress and anxiety

Not smoking

Exercising gently

Eating healthily (assuming you don't feel too sick)

When you're pregnant, your baby is already gaining sensory inputs and learning from them. They will hear what you are doing, and although the sounds might not be clear. Your baby will get feedback from your movements and sounds too!

According to Danielle, "During the third trimester of pregnancy, babies can hear their mum talking as she goes about her everyday activities and will naturally begin to pick up on the rhythms of language." Talking to your bump can be a lovely family experience if you already have children, or a way for partners to form very early bonds with your baby. Listening to your favourite songs together or telling stories to your little one and the bump can be a great bonding activity.

How can you boost babies' brain development?

In the early days of a baby's life, their brain will be very stimulated and everything they see and do is a learning experience for themAs Danielle says, "Young babies are naturally learning and there is a lot for them to take in. Just by being together and interacting with your little one, you will start to tune into each other and build familiar routines".
You can start these interactions with your baby through:

Skin-to-skin contact, holding them and having cuddles

Being available and responding to them

Talking to them face to face throughout your day

Including them in conversations with those around you

Danielle says it's important to remember that you don't need to do anything extraordinary to boost your baby's development. As they grow up, talking, cuddles and play can be built into your daily routine and can have long lasting positive effects on your child.

How to stimulate a baby's brain

You don't need to do too much to stimulate your baby's brain but giving them cuddles and face-to-face contact is a great place to start.

Sometimes babies can become overstimulated if they are faced with music, lights and too much noise. Remember, they are learning a lot of new things from the moment they are born just by being in the world.

Your little one will begin to learn that your voice goes with your face and your smell. Early on in your child's life, your baby's vision is very limited but as they get older, they will be able to focus and tune into what you're doing. We have a collection of simple activities and things to do with children aged 0-3 months. Find some new ways to bond with your baby here.

The most important thing is to enjoy being together. Make sure that you are okay too - it can take a while to adjust to a new lifestyle, especially without much sleep.

Video Transcript Video Transcript

Even before they're born, your baby's brain is busy making connections. Literally, the neurones or nerve cells are making new links with each other all the time. A newborn baby has about fifty million connections or synapses and by their first birthday, that's multiplied to a thousand million.

All the senses fine tune themselves as your baby grows and language skills are developing right from day one as well.

The brain develops by wiring together connections between whatever baby sees and hears. So the more you keep chatting to them about the world around them and repeating the names of things they can see, the more you're actually shaping the way their brains form.

Brain connections that keep getting used get stronger and stronger, but connections that aren't used die away. So keep talking to baby to help build and grow the strongest brain connections you can.

How do babies learn and recognise language?

Babies learn and recognise language by listening and watching other people and then they work out how that fits into everyday activities and things they see in the world around them. As Danielle explains, "When they babble or gesture and family and friends respond to them, they begin to realise that they can do this too!"

In the womb, babies hear speech and when they're born they start to connect speech sounds with the mouth movements of talking and sometimes certain gestures, such as waving when you say goodbye.

Danielle says, "Up to the age of about six months, communicating with your baby mostly involves sharing emotions back and forth."When they are very little, playing simple games such as peekaboo can be a fun way of learning about interaction. From six months onwards, they will begin looking to the outside world with you and seeing that you communicate about that too! At this point, they might start showing you things, pointing at things, or babbling about them while looking up to you. Responding to them is so rewarding, it helps them learn and feels good.

Later, they will learn that they get their message across far more effectively by using words, and they will slowly start to piece these words together into sentences. This takes practice, though, and toddlers can get quite frustrated when people can't understand them!

Why is talking to a baby so important and how should I talk to them?

When you're talking to children and babies, you might notice that your voice becomes higher pitched or you speak in a baby voice. This baby talk is sometimes called Parentese. It can really help babies to pick out different word sounds as you speak to them.

"It can be intuitive to slow down when we talk to babies, speaking in a higher pitch, with a sing-song melody and with repetition. This can help them to pick out words from the speech stream." says Danielle.

Talking to your baby in this way and copying them when they babble is a great way to help your baby feel connected to you. Tune into what has caught their attention and talk about whatever it is. For example, they might notice some music and dance. You could say "Are you having a little dance? Are you dancing to the music?! Wiggle wiggle!" This will help them to learn words that go with what they are doing. When they start to talk, encourage them by responding to their efforts. When you can, try to expand on things they've said. This will help them learn how words fit together.
If you'd like to explore more resources about how to develop your baby's brain then check out the following:

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Everything you need to know about babies' brain development

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Babies' brains grow quicker in the first year than at any other time in their life! Here's how you can stimulate your baby's brain and boost their development.

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Try having a bit of 'story time' each day when you're with your baby. It'll help bonding and help your child learn language. And they'll love it.

You can tell stories you know, or make up stories on the spot. Be as daft as you want, make up whatever characters you like.

Or, you could read stories out from a book. But you don't need to read books word for word. In fact, it's better if you can point out pictures, put on voices and make noises.

In Blackpool, dads are taking part in woodwork classes, creating figures based on the stories they tell to their children. That way they have toys that bring their stories to life. So, if you're handy with making things, why not have a go at making some characters yourself? You don't have to use wood, just make sure it's a safe material and don't let your baby try to eat the figures!

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Dads: How to bond with your baby and be at your best

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Becoming a dad for the first time? Check out tips from Blackpool Better Start's Owen Hargreaves on how to bond with your baby and keep cool.

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You might not realise it but the small, everyday activities you do in the early days with your baby are hugely beneficial for their development and can strengthen your bond with one another.
Each time you interact and they respond, maybe with a gurgle, babble and wiggle, you're helping their language and communication skills and their physical development too.

And you benefit too, says Inge Nickell, Director of the Brazelton Centre UK, a national charity promoting an understanding of newborn babies' communication.

"These interactions give you a window into their unique ways of communicating and help you identify their different behaviours," Inge explains.

"Although they can't speak, you can trust what your baby tells you through their movements, sounds and responses - they can't mask these. People often say that they wish their baby came with a manual. But in effect, they tell you everything you need to know, you just need learn how to read them."

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25 of the best ways to bond with your baby

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How can I bond with my newborn baby? It might surprise you, but all sorts of little everyday activities can boost oxytocin levels and strengthen bonds with your baby.

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Find out what to expect from breastfeeding in the first few days after birth, including what colostrum is, what happens when your milk ‘comes in’ and what the let-down reflex feels like.

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Southwark drop ins

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Southwark drop ins

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Find out more about feeding your baby - Lambeth drop ins

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NHS Parent Education in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Romanian, and Somali. For women accessing maternity care at: St Thomas’, Kings College, Princess Royal University (PRUH) , Lewisham University Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals