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Details of Leeds based breastfeeding drop in groups and local breastfeeding counsellors

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Every Thursday 10:30 - 12:00 at Guiseley Childrens Centre, Leeds

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school website design and school mobile apps are created using School Jotter, a Webanywhere product. [Administer Site]

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Relevant for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding

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Understanding your baby's needs

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Video demonstration

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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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A Baby Friendly video on when a baby's latch doesn't feel right

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This clip from Best Beginnings shows how ineffective attachment happens and how it can cause sore nipples.

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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Ineffective attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This clip from Best Beginnings shows how ineffective attachment happens and how it can cause sore nipples. Watch to learn more.

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This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.

See the Breastfeeding Network website for FAQs and a leaflet all about expressing and storing breastmilk.

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

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Watch our video to find out the top 5 most-asked questions about feeding.

What if I don't make enough breast milk?

All mums make breastmilk, and supply continues in response to their baby's needs - frequent and effective emptying of the breast drives the supply. If there are problems with supply, then these can often resolve by feeding more often, and making sure the baby is comfortably positioned and effectively attached

Do speak to a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor about this, and explore whether your expectations (and those around you) might be making you believe there's a problem with supply, when there isn't.

However, there are a few women whose bodies can't physically make enough breastmilk for their babies, even after problems have been addressed.

There are ways of maintaining breastfeeding, if this is what you want. You can breastfeed alongside the use of formula milk, and/or express your milk and give it to your baby if direct breastfeeding is not working well enough.

I don't know whether I will want to breastfeed

If you're not sure what you want to do when it comes to feeding your baby, you can wait until after the birth and see how you feel then. Your breasts will make colostrum - the first milk you make - which has a number of valuable health properties, and you might decide to give this to your baby even if you don't plan to breastfeed long-term.

Or you might just take it one feed at a time. Your milk will 'come in' about three days after your baby is born and breastfeeding will help you relieve any fullness you experience then.

Whatever your plans, cuddling skin-to-skin with your baby gives you the best time to get to know and bond with each other.

If you stop breastfeeding and start to give formula, it is possible to change your mind and start breastfeeding again but it can take time and patience. An NCT breastfeeding counsellor will be able to give you appropriate support, with no judgment.

I don't know if I will be able to breastfeed and continue my medication

For a very few women breastfeeding is not possible for medical reasons, but you needn't assume that any medicine you need to take rules out breastfeeding.

Check with your GP to see if your medications are safe while breastfeeding, or if not, if there is an alternative. You can also download factsheets on drugs and feeding from the Breastfeeding Network.

What if I develop breastfeeding problems?

Some new mums have a difficult time establishing breastfeeding. This might be more likely after a long or difficult birth, or because they or their baby are not well enough to breastfeed straight away.

Your midwife will be able to help you express milk or bring your baby to you for breastfeeds, if you can't be kept together.

I want to breastfeed. But what if I end up using formula? How will I feel?

If you planned to fully breastfeed, and then use formula either partially or fully, or temporarily or longer-term, then you might have mixed feelings about using formula. You may feel disappointed or angry - even guilty. You might think people are criticising you, or judging you.

We know from research that these negative feelings can be very real. Logically, of course, guilt is misplaced - guilt is what you feel when you deliberately and consciously decide to do something you know to be wrong, and this does not apply with a baby who needs to be fed! But feeding produces emotional responses. The reality of the situation is that most people don't judge or criticise you, but you might still be sensitive to their comments and maybe 'read' them in that way.

Or, you might not have planned to breastfeed at all.

"Regardless of how you feed your baby, you are entitled to support and understanding."

If you're feeling concerned about using formula, share this with someone who can help you feel more positive, and support you.

Is long-term expressing feasible?

Some mums decide for whatever reason not to breastfeed directly, but are still able to express their milk and feed it to their baby in a bottle.

Remember, you can put your baby to your breast whenever you want, even if you decide breastfeeding isn't for you, and whether or not your baby actually breastfeeds; you can give your baby the closeness of skin-to-skin contact, and give the bottle like that, too.
This page was last reviewed in August 2016.
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 helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk. Feeding 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.

National Breastfeeding Line (government funded): 0300 100 0212.

Cleft lip and Palate association has information on feeding babies with cleft lip or palate.

BLISS, a charity supporting families with premature and special care babies, has information on feeding.

If you are breastfeeding twins or more, Twins Trust has a team of 12 NCT-accredited peer supporters who have all breastfed twins and can offer mother-to-mother information and support to families on breastfeeding twins and triplets. If you would like to contact a Peer Supporter, please e-mail breastfeedingsupport@twinstrust.org.

The Department of Health publishes its ' Feeding your baby' guide, available in hard copy or to download.

NHS guidance is available here.

Bump to Breastfeeding DVD: your midwife should be able to provide a copy for you to borrow, or go to www.bestbeginnings.org.uk

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Breastfeeding concerns, problems and solutions | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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Watch our video to find out the top 5 most-asked questions about feeding. All mums make breastmilk, and supply continues in response to their baby's needs - frequent and effective emptying of the breast drives the supply.

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Tips for breastfeeding when out and about

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Breastmilk is instantly available for babies and is wonderfully convenient wherever a mother is. This is particularly important as babies have small stomachs and breastmilk is digested very quickly. However, many mothers worry about breastfeeding in public spaces and are unsure about their rights in the event of negative comments from other people.

What does the law say?

It is entirely legal to breastfeed in public places anywhere in the UK.

According to the Equality Act of 2010, treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding a child of any age is considered sex discrimination. This applies to any business or premise providing services to the public, including public institutions, associations and higher education bodies.

Service providers dealing directly with the public must not discriminate, harass or victimise a woman because she is breastfeeding. Discrimination includes refusing to provide a service, providing a lower standard of service or providing a service on different terms.

Can cafes, restaurants and shops ask a breastfeeding woman to leave?

Businesses, such as a cafes, restaurants and shops, are not allowed to ask a woman to stop breastfeeding her child or refuse to serve her. This is applicable to mothers breastfeeding children of any age, as the law protects them for as long as they wish to breastfeed their babies.

If anyone being served in a cafe takes offence at a breastfeeding mother, the business owner could offer to move them to a different table, but it is against the law to ask the mother in question to leave because she's breastfeeding.

A guide produced by the Government Equalities Office to explain the 2010 Equality Act to businesses selling goods and services states: "A business may ask a breastfeeding woman to leave their premises if the reason for this request is not due to her breastfeeding. However, if the woman later claims that discrimination occurred because she was breastfeeding, the business will have to prove that there was in fact no discrimination."

It is possible that individual business employees, owners or managers may not be aware of these regulations and may tell a woman that she cannot breastfeed on the business premises. If this happens, the mother can challenge their request.

If still asked to stop breastfeeding or leave the premises, a woman can contact the Government Equalities Office. A solicitor can advise on whether a claim can be brought for discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act.

What about communal public spaces?

If a mother is out with her baby she may need to stop and breastfeed. She is not required to cover herself or go to a specific feeding room, but people may occasionally object.

In England and Wales
A woman cannot be prosecuted for breastfeeding under public decency laws. A mother can ignore people who ask her to stop feeding and she can just carry on. Unfortunately though, she has no specific legal protection against their actual comments objecting to breastfeeding. If, however, the remarks become aggressive or abusive then women have a right to report this as with any other form of abuse.

In Scotland
Under Scottish legislation, it is an offence to deliberately prevent or stop a woman from breastfeeding in a public place. If a mother is approached by anyone, anywhere, and asked to stop breastfeeding, she has the right to phone the police who will attend, discuss with the person involved, and warn them that they are committing an offence liable to a fine of up to £2,500.

In Northern Ireland
Breastfeeding mothers are protected by sex discrimination laws that prohibit anyone from treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding and the Government intends to introduce specific legislation to support and protect breastfeeding infants and their mothers in public places.

Breastfeeding is normal

Although in recent years breastfeeding may have been considered something which should not be done in public, limiting nursing when out and about can restrict your baby's food intake. Breastfeeding is the most natural way of understanding and satisfying your baby's needs and its importance in terms of promoting healthy development for both baby and mother is officially recognised by healthcare organisations all over the world. The more often breastfeeding is noticed, the more easily it will be accepted by the public, leading to a change in people's attitudes and a reduction in any criticism.

Written by Anna Burbidge and Eva Williams
Copyright LLLGB 2016

Further reading
Out & about with your breastfed baby
Supporting women's right to breastfeed
Breastfeeding in public spaces
2010 Equality Act

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Breastfeeding in Public Spaces - La Leche League GB

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Breastmilk is instantly available for babies and is wonderfully convenient wherever a mother is. This is particularly important as babies have small stomachs and breastmilk is digested very quickly. However, many mothers worry about breastfeeding in public spaces and are unsure about their rights in the event of negative comments from other people.

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

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

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

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

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

Your breastmilk

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

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

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

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

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

Expressing breastmilk

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

When might I need to express?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hand Expressing

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

Remember to wash your hands first.

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

Relax with a warm drink, music or TV.

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

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

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

Take care not to drag your skin:

Stroke with your fingertips

Roll using your knuckles.

Try using circular movements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good hygiene is very important:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Storing expressed breastmilk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe Storage of breastmilk in the home

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

Why are there variations in recommendations for storing expressed breastmilk?

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

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

Feeding baby expressed breastmilk

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

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

Defrosting frozen breastmilk

How do I defrost my milk?

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

How long can I keep defrosted breastmilk?

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

Why can't I defrost breastmilk in a microwave?

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

Travelling with expressed breastmilk

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

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

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

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

Re-heating expressed breastmilk

How do I re-heat expressed breastmilk?

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

If the milk smells sour DO NOT USE.

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

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

Finding a breast pump

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

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

References

(links checked May 2023)

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

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

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

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

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

Page reviewed and updated November 2019

Variations in Recommendations for Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Written by Anabel Hands

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

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

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Choosing whether to hand express or use a pump

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There are plenty of reasons why, if you choose to do it, expressing milk is a useful skill to have for your new baby. It can help in medical situations that mean your baby or you is struggling to breastfeed (Becker et al, 2016).

When you're away from your baby expressing milk will keep up your supply (Becker et al, 2016). It can even be a good trick to boost your supply if it's low (Becker et al, 2016).

Another plus of expressing is that babies learn to take a bottle or cup. This gives you more freedom to go to work, appointments or even an evening out with friends. It also allows your partner or other members of your family to become more involved in the early months (Becker et al, 2016). Here are the ways that you can start expressing your milk.

Watch our video for tips on expressing breastmilk.

Electric breast pumps

Breast pumps are useful when you need or want to give your baby milk in a bottle or cup but want to continue breastfeeding. You have two options when it comes to using a pump to express your breast milk: manual or electric.

Electric pumps use mains electricity, batteries or sometimes both. They are more expensive than hand pumps but they are usually less exhausting - a big bonus in the early newborn weeks. Electric pumps are also great if you need to express often for a baby who is in special care.

If one type of electric pump doesn't work for you, try another one to explore the options. You could do this either by returning it for a refund or hiring a pump instead of buying from an NCT breastfeeding counsellor.

It's good to check the fit - no-one's nipples are the same and you may need a different-sized funnel (Becker et al, 2016). If you're keen on efficiency you could consider 'double pumping'. This uses a double electric breast pump so you can express from both breasts at once.

Top tip: If there are different suction settings on your pump, start on a low one. You won't win any prizes - especially not from your painful nipples - by going straight for the hardest level. So build it up gradually.

Manual breast pumps

For some women, hand-operated pumps can seem less intimidating than electric pumps. That might in turn mean you're more relaxed using them. If you're more relaxed you'll produce more milk (Becker et al, 2016). Most pumps have flanges that go over your nipple and areola (the coloured skin around the nipple) and fit the breast. This helps draw the milk out by suction as you collect it in a bottle-shaped container.

Use them when your breasts are full and you should hold your baby while you pump if possible. This helps because skin-to-skin contact makes you produce the hormones that will bring on the milk (UNICEF, 2015).

Top tip: Make sure you sterilise all parts of the pump and whatever you're using to store your milk before you start expressing (NHS, 2016a).

Hand expressing

Your milk reaches the nipple through many different ducts. So as you press and release the breast tissue, your fingers mimic the action of your baby's tongue and mouth, squeezing milk from these ducts. That's how hand expressing works.

You can also use hand expressing to ease engorgement. It's handy if you're out somewhere without your breast pump, like a private office at work. Here's how to do it:

Massage your breasts or put a warm flannel on them first.

Position your hands under your breast with your thumbs upwards. The exact position will differ between women and you may or may not be touching your areola. The idea is to put pressure on the milk ducts. You may need to experiment to feel where they are.

Try pushing in towards your ribcage before rolling your fingers inwards. Move around so you affect different areas.

As you start to squeeze, milk will appear. Work around each breast, releasing the milk from all parts.

Express from one breast until the milk flow slows down and then start massaging the other. You can switch from breast to breast until the milk flow stops.

At first you may not be able to produce much but usually the more you express the easier it becomes.

Ask your midwife, health visitor or nurse to show you how to hand express your milk (NICE, 2014; NHS Choices, 2016a).

Top Tip: Find a container like a jug that has a wide rim for catching your milk and make sure it's sterilised (NHS Choices, 2016b). Make sure you have some sterile storage containers for storing your milk, like bags, bottles or containers with lids (Breastfeeding Network, 2009).

This page was last reviewed in October 2017
Further information

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

You might find attending one of our Early Days 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.

UK Association of Milk Banking has information on its network of milk banks across the UK.

Best Beginnings: view video footage online from 'bump to breastfeeding'.

Healthtalkonline.org provides a comprehensive library of face-to-face interviews where parents share their experiences about breastfeeding, birth, parenting and many other issues.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011) Practical bottle feeding tips. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Practical-Bottle-Feeding-Tips.aspx [Accessed 1st October 2017].

Becker GE, Smith HA, Cooney F (2016) Methods of milk expression for lactating women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 29:9. doi: 10.1002/14651858. Available from: http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006170.pub5/full [Accessed 1st October 2017].

Breastfeeding Network. (2009) Expressing and storing breastmilk. Available from: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/pdfs/BFNExpressing_and_Storing.pdf [Accessed 1st October 2017].

Healthy Children. (2011) Practical bottle feeding tips. Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Practical-Bottle-Feeding-Tips.aspx [Accessed 1st October 2017].

NHS Choices. (2016a) Expressing and storing breast milk. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/expressing-storing-breast-milk/ [Accessed 1st October 2017].

NHS Choices. (2016b) Sterilising bottles. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sterilising-bottles/ [Accessed 1st October 2017].

NICE. (2014) Breastfeeding recommendations. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/PH11/chapter/4-Recommendations#breastfeeding-3 [Accessed 1st October 2017].

UNICEF. (2015) Guide to bottle feeding. Available from: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2008/02/start4life_guide_to_bottle_-feeding.pdf [Accessed 1st October 2017].

UNICEF. (2018) Skin to skin contact. Available from: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/guidance-for-health-professionals/implementing-the-baby-friendly-standards/further-guidance-on-implementing-the-standards/skin-to-skin-contact/ [Accessed 1st October 2017].
Further reading
NHS. (2009) Breast milk ingredients and sleep. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/10October/Pages/Breast-milk-ingredients-and-sleep.aspx [Accessed 1st October 2017].

NHS Choices. (2017) Benefits of breastfeeding. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/benefits-breastfeeding/ [Accessed 1st October 2017].

NHS Choices. (2018) How to bottle feed your baby. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/bottle-feeding-advice/#how-to-bottle-feed-your-baby [Accessed 1st October 2017].

Peila C, Coscia A, Bertino E, Li Volti G, Galvano F, Barbagallo I, Gazzolo D (2017) Human milk adrenomedullin is unstable during cold storage at 4°C. Breastfeed Med. 12(9):561-565. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.0072. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28956619 [Accessed 1st October 2017].

Science News. (2015) Backwash from nursing babies may trigger infection fighters. Available from: https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/backwash-nursing-babies-may-trigger-infection-fighters [Accessed 1st October 2017].

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust. (2014) Syringe and cup feeding your baby. Available from: http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/Controlleddocuments/Patientinformation/Pregnancyandbirth/Syringe-and-cup-feeding-your-baby-patient-information.pdf [Accessed 1st October 2017].

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Expressing milk: Which method is best? | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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You might have decided to express milk for your baby but are unsure which method is right for you. Here's what you need to know...

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Factsheets for compatibility of medicines whilst breastfeeding

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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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Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful.
It's most common in breastfeeding women, but women who are not breastfeeding and men can also get it.

Check if you have mastitis

Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include:

a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch - the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have darker skin

a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast

a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed

nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood

You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a high temperature, chills and tiredness.

Things you can do

you do not feel better within 24 hours despite continuing to breastfeed

you get mastitis and you are not breastfeeding

your symptoms do not get any better 48 hours after taking antibiotics

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP

It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:
Find out about using the NHS during COVID-19

Treatment for mastitis from a GP

A GP will usually prescribe antibiotics.

If you're breastfeeding a very small amount of the antibiotic may go into your breast milk. There is no risk to your baby, but it might make them irritable and restless.

What to do if mastitis comes back

If you are breastfeeding and keep getting mastitis, it might be due to problems with positioning and attaching.

If you have any breastfeeding problems, it's important to ask for help from a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.

Causes of mastitis

Mastitis is common in breastfeeding women as it can be caused by a build-up of milk.

Women who are not breastfeeding can also get mastitis, as can men. This can happen due to:

smoking - toxins found in tobacco can damage breast tissue

damage to the nipple, such as a piercing or skin condition like eczema

you have a breast implant

having a weak immune system due to a health condition like diabetes

shaving or plucking hairs from around your nipples

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Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful. It's most common in breastfeeding women, but women who are not breastfeeding and men can also get it. Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly.

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Read more for support for parents on tongue-tie

Many babies have a piece of membrane under their tongue (the frenulum) which does not usually cause problems. Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the frenulum is abnormally short, stopping the tip of the tongue from protruding beyond the lower gum. This may cause problems with feeding as a result of the inability to move the tongue in a normal way and therefore attach and suck effectively. The frenulum may reach the tip of the tongue and be easily seen, and may be either thin and stretchy or thicker/tighter. A posterior frenulum, which is at the back of the tongue, can be less easy to see and in some cases may only be felt. If you and/or your baby are experiencing feeding difficulties, an assessment of your baby's tongue function and a feeding assessment by a specially trained professional will determine whether a division of the membrane ( frenulotomy) could help.

Many tongue-ties are asymptomatic and do not require treatment, and some may resolve spontaneously over time. In some instances, support to improve attachment is all that is needed. However, if the condition is causing problems with feeding, surgical division of the lingual frenulum can be recommended and carried out as early as possible. This may enable the mother to continue breastfeeding rather than having to switch to artificial feeding.
NICE has approved the division of tongue-tie.

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Many babies have a piece of membrane under their tongue (the frenulum) which does not usually cause problems. Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the frenulum is abnormally short, stopping the tip of the tongue from protruding beyond the lower gum.

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How to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding

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When it comes to feeding their baby, some parents decide to exclusively breastfeed and some to exclusively formula feed. Many families decide to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding; this often called combination feeding or mixed feeding (NHS, 2019).

What is mixed feeding?

Mixed feeding usually means mixing breast and bottle feeding. The content of the bottle can be either breastmilk or formula milk.

Watch our video to find out more about mixed/combination feeding.

Why do some families combination feed?

You might start mixed feeding for a variety of reasons.

If you and your baby have some difficulties getting breastfeeding established or if there are concerns about your baby's weight, you might be advised to give some formula feeds alongside breastfeeding.

You might need to leave your baby for periods of time (for example, if you are returning to work).

Your partner might want to be involved with feeding.

You might be bottle feeding and want to start or resume breastfeeding.

It can be helpful to talk to a breastfeeding counsellor, a midwife or health visitor about your options and the potential impact on breastfeeding of mixed feeding (see below). You could also call our infant feeding line on 0300 330 0700.

How do I combine bottle feeding and breastfeeding?

Some families choose to express milk and feed it to their babies through a bottle. They might do this if someone else would like to feed the baby or if the mum has to be away from their baby for a while.

Others choose to substitute some breastfeeds for formula. If you want to do this, you and your baby will adjust more easily if you reduce the number of feeds gradually (NHS, 2019).

You can offer formula feeds before, during, after or instead of a breastfeed. Talk to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding counsellor about this, as different options will suit different circumstances. And will also depend on what you wish to achieve ultimately.

There are some cases when formula might be given before a breastfeed (for example, with babies who are not breastfeeding well). In other cases, the formula feed might be given instead of a breastfeed. This might happen if you're not with your baby and can't breastfeed or if someone else is sharing the feeding.

Gradually cutting down breastfeeding reduces the chance of your breasts becoming uncomfortably engorged. It will also reduce your risk of developing mastitis (NHS, 2019). It helps to reduce the number of breastfeeds slowly, starting with the one which is convenient for you (NHS, 2020). If you substitute a breastfeed with a formula feed, it may take around five to seven days for the amount of milk your breasts are producing to adjust to missing that one feed (NHS, 2017).

If you 'top up' with formula during one or more feeds, rather than replacing an entire feed, this is likely to extend the gap between breastfeeds. It will also signal to your breasts to make less milk (NHS, 2020).

On the other hand, if you've been advised to 'top up' as a temporary measure and want to return to exclusive breastfeeding, it is important to express milk between feeds to prevent a decrease in the amount of milk you make (NICE, 2017). Try and feed your baby any available breastmilk before each formula feed.

What effect will combining breastfeeding and formula feeding have?

Your baby will enjoy the benefits of breastmilk, even if you're not exclusively breastfeeding. For instance, they will still gain some of the antibodies that will protect them against infection (NHS, 2019).

If you want to feed your baby with both breastmilk and formula milk, it is recommended to wait until feeding is firmly established before introducing a bottle (NHS, 2019). This can take up to a month (La Leche League, 2019).

It's best to wait until breastfeeding is established because breastmilk supply is generally driven by frequent, effective removal of milk from the breasts. Giving your baby formula reduces your milk supply, which is particularly important when you are both getting used to breastfeeding. If your baby breastfeeds less often, your breasts produce less milk (Daly and Hartmann, 1995).

You might have heard that babies can get 'nipple confusion' but there is no evidence that this exists (Kotowski et al, 2020).

How many breastfeeds does an older combination-fed baby need?

Older babies, beyond the newborn stage, can maintain your breastmilk supply alongside formula feeding as long as you breastfeed several times a day. Much older babies - from eight or nine months - can breastfeed just a handful of times a day, and there is still a supply.

Very well-established breastfeeding, with a baby who is one year or older, can continue with as few as one or two feeds in 24 hours.

If your baby is over six months they can use a beaker or cup rather than a bottle (NHS, 2020).

Tips to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby

You might find your baby does not want to take a bottle at first. The different sensations may confuse them and they don't know the bottle contains food. But there are lots of different things you can try to help your baby:

Offer a bottle when your baby is relaxed and happy, rather than very hungry.

Maybe ask someone else to offer a bottle so they can't smell their mother's milk.

Try softening the teat with warm, boiled water.

Hold your baby in a different position from their usual breastfeeding one. It might help your baby get used to the new way of feeding.

Try a different bottle or teat, this might make a difference.

(La Leche League, 2019)

Unicef (2016) recommend feeding responsively, which means following your baby's cues, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. They also recommend using paced bottle feeding. The way a baby is fed with the bottle can affect their comfort, their control of the amount of milk they drink, and the transition between breast and bottle (Kotowski et al, 2020).

Tips for paced bottle feeding

Hold your baby upright, close to your body. (If your baby is lying back, they are less able to control how much milk they swallow, so they can overfeed.)

Touch the teat against the baby's top lip to encourage them to pull it into their mouth.

Hold the bottle horizontal, so that when the baby is actively sucking, they get milk and when the baby is pausing, they don't get milk.

Give the baby several breaks by removing the bottle from their mouth.

Watch what the baby is doing, rather than how much milk they have drunk. End the feed when the baby is no longer drinking.

(UNICEF, 2016; La Leche League, 2019)

This all helps to build a close, loving relationship, a responsive feeding relationship, and avoids overfeeding your baby.

Where can I go for breastfeeding support?

If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to one of our breastfeeding counsellors by calling our infant feeding 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.

Further information

Healthtalkonline.org has a comprehensive library of face-to-face interviews where parents share their experiences about breastfeeding, birth, parenting and many other issues.

Best Beginnings has video clips from the 'Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD.

UNICEF have produced a summary guide for parents on how to responsively bottle feed babies.

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Mixed feeding: combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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Here we look at mixed feeding your baby, which is combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding

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How to know feeding is going well

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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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0300 330 0700

Practical and emotional support with feeding your baby:

Option 1: NCT infant feeding line

Option 2: NCT Course Bookings

Option 3: NCT Membership, Branch and General Enquiries

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Infant milks: Information for parents & carers

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Infant milks for parents & carers — First Steps Nutrition Trust

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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Some common questions answered from the father's perspective

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When it comes to breastfeeding, you might wonder what you can do to support your partner and baby. The truth is you can make a huge difference.

Did you know that a mum is more likely to choose to breastfeed if she's sure her partner is positive about it? And if she does decide to breastfeed, she's much more likely to have a good experience and manage any difficulties if her partner supports her decision (Tohotoa, 2009; Rempel, 2011). A partner's emotional support is so important for helping mums to breastfeed for longer too (Tohatoa et al, 2009; Su, 2016).

Why is breastfeeding important?

If your partner is breastfeeding your baby - or planning to - that's fantastic because breastmilk has so many benefits for babies. For instance, breastmilk can help to reduce the risk of your baby getting infections and diseases (NHS, 2017). It also contains hormones that help your baby's development (Victora et al, 2016).

Overall, breastfeeding will have a positive impact on your baby's health. What's more, it can influence their health as an adult too (Victora et al, 2016).

Is breastfeeding hard or will my partner just know what to do?

Many parents see breastfeeding as a natural process but it can take time for mum and baby to learn this new skill together. It might take around six weeks to get the hang of it fully (NHS, 2016).

The good news is that with the right support, your partner can overcome any challenges and continue breastfeeding if she wants to. If you think your partner needs more information, support or just someone to talk to, why not give one of our trained breastfeeding counsellors a call on our support line: 0300 330 0700. The line is open every day from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.

You might find it helpful to read up about breastfeeding and attend a breastfeeding session before your baby is born. This can help you know what to expect and perhaps give you a little more confidence. It can also help you both talk about feeding your baby and raise any questions or worries you might have.

What do I need to know about breastfeeding?

You might find it helpful to know how breastfeeding works and what normal behaviour is for breastfed babies. Here are a few quick and handy facts:

Babies are happier if they're fed as soon as they show signs of being hungry.

Babies usually feed frequently (anything from eight to 12 times or more in 24 hours) in the early weeks, especially during the evenings.

Some babies are slow feeders at first, but they get quicker as they get older.

The more a baby feeds, the more milk their mum makes because it's the removal of milk that drives the production of it.

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least your baby's first six months. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for toddlers because it gives them a health boost every time they feed. So your partner can breastfeed your baby for as long as they both want to.

Nipple soreness or pain during feeding might be a sign that a baby needs some adjustment to their attachment at the breast. If there is soreness or pain when breastfeeding, talking to a healthcare professional or breastfeeding counsellor can help.

Women enjoy feeding more when they are comfortable and relaxed.

(Department of Health, 2011; La Leche League, 2016; NHS, 2016)

What can I do to help support my partner with breastfeeding?

There are lots of things you can do to support and encourage breastfeeding.

Here are 10 tips:

1. Boost your partner's confidence by encouraging her and being positive about her progress. As with learning any new skill, reassurance and praise are a massive help.

2. Listen and talk honestly about how you each feel about finding your way with your new baby.

3. Be involved with your baby in other ways so that the caring is shared (see below).

4. Help to reduce the household chores so your partner can feed your baby for as long and as often as they need.

5. Try to help your partner to relax by giving them a massage.

6. Women don't need to eat anything special while breastfeeding, but it's a good idea to encourage your partner to eat and drink regularly.

7. Help her get specialist support if she's struggling with breastfeeding. As mentioned above, you can both talk to one of our breastfeeding counsellors on 0300 330 0700.

8. Help out by bottle feeding your baby expressed milk once your partner and baby have got the hang of breastfeeding (see below).

9. Accept your partner's decision on when to stop breastfeeding.

10. Try to remember that with your support, breastfeeding can quickly become just another part of your family life.

(Rempel et al, 2010)

What practical support can I give to my baby if my partner is breastfeeding?

You might expect to feel like a bit of a spare part with feeding but it's good to remember that each parent plays a different and vital role. The decision on how you feed your baby is certainly a joint one (deMontigny et al, 2018). It might take a while to get used to the different parts you play though.

Whatever you decide to do, you might actually find feeding is less important to you than you expected anyway. Especially if you're hands-on with your baby in different and rewarding ways.

Tips for being a hands-on partner with your baby

Changing nappies and generally caring for your baby - it's great if you can spend time with your baby and interact (see below) with them while you're looking after them.

Bathing your baby - you could bath your baby or even have a bath with your baby. You'll both enjoy the bonding benefits of skin-to-skin contact and one-to-one time together (NHS, 2018).

Talking and playing - babies enjoy hearing gentle sounds. They even recognise the muffled tones of people talking from their time in the womb and they'll be aware of familiar voices like yours (Lee and Kisilevsky, 2013). So a chat with your baby might be a little one-sided but rest assured, they know it's you. Socially interacting with your baby through their senses helps to stimulate their brain development; for example, you could pull some different expressions (Boucenna et al, 2010).

Baby carrying - this means taking your baby out and about in a sling. It can be a rewarding and comforting experience for both you and your baby (Miller, 2019).

For more ideas on being a hands-on parent, see our article about bonding with and getting to know your baby.

How can I share feeding our baby?

If you're keen to feed your baby, you could give them expressed breastmilk from a spoon, syringe, cup or a bottle. But only introduce your baby to a bottle once breastfeeding is going well. For more on expressing, see our 10 bottle feeding tips for breastfed babies article.

And once your baby's moved on to solid food, there are so many ways you can get involved with that...chopping, mashing, cleaning up all the food that ends up on the floor...

I want to support breastfeeding but will it affect our sex life?

Possibly, but tiredness - and your partner's birth experience and recovery - is more likely to affect their sex drive rather than breastfeeding (Rowland et al, 2005). See our article about breastfeeding and sex for more details.

What if I feel uncomfortable about my partner breastfeeding in public?

If you're feeling uncomfortable or nervous about your partner breastfeeding in public, have a chat with her so you can talk it through. Maybe you're worried about your partner showing her breasts in public? Yet in reality, very little breast actually shows when a baby is feeding. You might have even seen a mum breastfeeding before without realising it.

It might also help to talk to other families where the mum is breastfeeding and find out about both partners' experiences of it. The chances are, you'll change your mind as you get used to seeing breastfeeding.

It's good to know that breastfeeding in public is protected by the law under the Equality Act 2010. That means providers of any services or facilities open for the public are not allowed to discriminate against women who are breastfeeding (Maternity Action, 2019).

Many places now welcome breastfeeding and have special facilities for mums if they'd prefer to feed in private.

Some mums might feel uncertain themselves about feeding in public at first and may appreciate the reassurance of having their partner with them.

At the end of the day...

Don't underestimate the huge difference you can make if your partner is breastfeeding. With you both on board, breastfeeding can quickly become an everyday part of your lives (Rempel, 2011).
This page was last reviewed in October 2017.
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 helpline 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.

You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses 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.

Visit our breastfeeding support contacts page.

NHS Choices breastfeeding information.

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

Health Talk has some interesting videos about different people's experiences of breastfeeding, click here to view them.

Boucenna S, Gaussier P, Andry P, Hafemeister L. (2010) Imitation as a communication tool for online facial expression learning and recognition. 2010 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Taipei: 5323-5328. Available at: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5650357 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

deMontigny F, Gervais C, Larivière-Bastien D, St-Arneault K. (2018) The role of fathers during breastfeeding. Midwifery. 58:6-12. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29272696 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Department of Health. (2011) Breastfeeding. Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Nutrition/Nutritionpregnancyearlyyears/DH_127625 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

La Leche League. (2016) Still nursing? Available at: https://www.laleche.org.uk/still-nursing/ (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Lee GY, Kisilevsky BS. (2013) Fetuses respond to father's voice but prefer mother's voice after birth. Dev Psychobiol. 2014 Jan;56(1):1-11. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23817883 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Miller R. (2019). Babywearing education in the neonatal intensive care unit. The International journal of childbirth education: the official publication of the International Childbirth Education Association. 34. 43-47. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334151320_Babywearing_Education_in_the_Neonatal_Intensive_Care_Unit (Accessed 1st July 2018)

NHS. (2016) How to combine breast and bottle feeding. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/combining-breast-and-bottle/ (Accessed 1st July 2018)

NHS. (2017) Benefits of breastfeeding. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/benefits-breastfeeding.aspx (Accessed 1st July 2018)

NHS. (2018) Washing and bathing your baby. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/washing-your-baby/ (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Rempel LA, Rempel JK. (2010) The breastfeeding team: the role of involved fathers in the breastfeeding family. J Hum Lact. (2):115-21. Available at: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0890334410390045 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Rowland M, Foxcroft L, Hopman WM, Patel R. (2005) Breastfeeding and sexuality immediately post partum. Can Fam Physician. 2005 Oct;51:1366-7. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479788/ (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Su M, Ouyang YQ. (2016) Father's role in breastfeeding promotion: lessons from a quasi-experimental trial in China. Breastfeed Med. 11:144-9. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26836960 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Tohotoa J, Maycock B, Hauck Y, Howat P, Burns S, Binns C. (2009) Dads make a difference: an exploratory study of paternal support for breastfeeding in Perth, Western Australia. Int Breastfeed J. 4:15. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2788531/ (Accessed 1st July 2018)

Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJ, França GV, Horton S, Krasevec J, Murch S, Sankar MJ, Walker N, Rollins NC; Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. (2016) Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 387(10017):475-90. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26869575 (Accessed 1st July 2018)

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How can dads and partners support breastfeeding? | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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This article looks at how dads and partners can help support a new mum who is breastfeeding in the early days.