# data[].attributes.headline
34-36 weeks? Attend your Virtual Antenatal Infant Feeding Workshop Now (or book using the link below)

# data[].attributes.subject
34-36 weeks? Attend your Virtual Antenatal Infant Feeding Workshop Now (or book using the link below)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Please join the Birmingham Women's and Children's Infant Feeding Team for our Virtual Antenatal Infant Feeding Workshop.
Why not ask those who willbe supporting you when baby arrives to book onto our How to Support Breastfeeding aimed at dads, partners, family, friends and granparents Birmingham Women's Hospital : How to Support Breastfeeding (Virtual) Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
This workshop gives advice and information to support a positive feeding journey.

We discuss the importance of developing close and loving relationships for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Suggesting ways to bond with baby throughout your pregnancy.

The workshop discusses the benefits of skin to skin and keeping your baby close, the practical aspects of feeding a newborn and how to know feeding is going well.

We will share resources you can refer back to and explore prior to the birth of baby and use after baby has arrived.

The course is designed for you and a support partner of your choice (optional). It is one session of roughly 2.5 hrs . You can attend the session as many times as you would like.

Sessions are hosted by our Specialist Infant Feeding Team here at Birmingham Women's and Children's.

We look forward to meeting you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
birmingham women's hospital  virtual antenatal infant feeding workshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
birmingham women's hospital  virtual antenatal infant feeding workshop tickets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Birmingham Women's Hospital Virtual Antenatal Infant Feeding Workshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Eventbrite - Birmingham Women's Hospital Infant Feeding Team presents Birmingham Women's Hospital Virtual Antenatal Infant Feeding Workshop - Wednesday, 6 January 2021 | Thursday, 17 July 2025 - Find event and ticket information.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/761061945767?aff=ebdsshios

# data[].attributes.headline
34-36 weeks? Ensure those who will be supporting you to feed you baby have booked their place (or book using the link below)

# data[].attributes.subject
34-36 weeks? Ensure those who will be supporting you to feed you baby have booked their place (or book using the link below)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Birmingham Women’s Hospital : How to Support Breastfeeding (Virtual)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hey there! Come join us for a virtual workshop where we’ll provide support and tips for dads, partners, friends, and family members to help.

# data[].attributes.headline
32 weeks? Book the people who will be supporting you to feed your baby onto our 'Supporting Breastfeeding Workshop'

# data[].attributes.subject
32 weeks? Book the people who will be supporting you to feed your baby onto our 'Supporting Breastfeeding Workshop'

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birmingham-womens-hospital-how-to-support-breastfeeding-virtual-tickets-1079276257339?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

# data[].attributes.headline
It's all in the science for us as an Infant Feeding Team

# data[].attributes.subject
It's all in the science for us as an Infant Feeding Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How does a child’s brain develop? Brains are built over time, from the bottom up. Brain architecture begins to form before birth, starting with simple neural…

# data[].attributes.headline
Hand expression a valuable skill to practice and know

# data[].attributes.subject
Hand expression a valuable skill to practice and know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Expressing your milk by hand is a useful skill to have. It may take a bit of time and practice, but once you've mastered it, you'll find it's very helpful.

And the great thing is you only need your hands and a container - rather than a shop-bought breast pump.

Hand expression can be useful in various situations, for example if your baby isn't feeding or latching on well, if you want to stimulate your milk production, or if your breasts become engorged (this is a good way to relieve them).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expressing breast milk by hand - Start for Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Watch our video and read our step-by-step guide to expressing breast milk by hand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Baby product information - The Lullaby Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It can be hard to know which products are safest for your baby to sleep in. We’re here to help you find the safest baby products…

# data[].attributes.body
Click image above for BWC Infant feeding team webpage or follow us on
Twitter @BWCIFT
Instagram BWCinfantfeedingteam

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Infant feeding Team

In the Infant Feeding Team we support all mothers, babies and their families who use the services of Birmingham Women's and Children's Trust in their infant feeding choices.

We look to achieve the best possible outcomes for overall health and wellbeing of your baby by building close and loving relationships and helping you achieve optimal responsive baby feeding.
The Infant Feeding Team aim to:

Help parents and carers with making informed decisions on feeding their babies, supporting them to achieve their feeding goals.

Provide care which is mother/carer and family centred, non-judgemental and supports and respects individuals decisions.

Be committed to providing clear and impartial information which adheres to the WHO Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes (WHO 1991).

Contact us

Birmingham Women's Hospital
bwc.infant-feeding@nhs.net
Birmingham Children's Hospital
bwc.infantfeeding-bc@nhs.net

Did you find what you were looking for?

Please rate your experience out of 5 (with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Infant feeding Team In the Infant Feeding Team we support all mothers, babies and their families who use the services of Birmingham Women's and Children's Trust in their infant feeding choices. We look to achieve the best possible outcomes for overall health and wellbeing of your baby by building close and loving relationships and helping you achieve optimal responsive baby feeding.

# data[].attributes.body
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you decide not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to restart. Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. You do not need to eat any special foods while breastfeeding, but it is a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet.

# data[].attributes.body
https://padlet.com/bwinfantfeedingteam/infant-feeding-translated-resources-in-multiple-languages-ag4sepy6smb52q68

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recent News: Dutch researchers find Covid-19 antibodies in human milk

'We think when drinking the milk, the antibodies attach themselves to the surface of our mucous membranes,' Hans van Goudoever, head of the Emma children's hospital at the UMC, said. 'Then they attack the virus particles before they force their way into the body.' The UMC has now started a campaign to find 1,000 women who are willing to donate 100ml of breast milk for the research project. 'Women who may have had coronavirus without noticing it may also have made antibodies which can be found in milk,'

Here you'll find references and research supporting the information in the advert.

"Nature has been researching your milk for hundreds of millions of years"

"Your milk contains ingredients that kill cancerous cells"

"Your milk contains stem cells. These are cells that create and repair the body, and are being researched worldwide to cure conditions like Alzheimers and diabetes."

"Your body identifies bacteria and viruses found in your baby's body and environment. You then produce antibodies specifically tailored for those infections, and deliver them to your baby through your milk. The more milk she drinks, the more antibodies she receives."

"Your milk appears to switch on a gene in your baby's body, which produces a hormone called Leptin. This hormone tells your baby when his tummy is full, protecting him against over eating."

"Your milk contains Oxytocin, a hormone that induces relaxation, and feelings of well-being in your child and in you."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The science of human milk and breastfeeding

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Baby Friendly Initiative | The constituents of breastmilk and formula

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

Get Better Health: Start for Life

Sign up for Start for Life weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Birmingham Women's Hospital Hello Baby! Feeding Your Baby at Home or on the Postnatal Ward

# data[].attributes.headline
Click on the image below for post birth feeding information

# data[].attributes.subject
Click on the image below for post birth feeding information

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Infant feeding on the Neonatal Unit  and Transitional Care

# data[].attributes.headline
If your baby may need to visit Neonatal Unit (NICU) or the Transitional Care Ward click on image below

# data[].attributes.subject
If your baby may need to visit Neonatal Unit (NICU) or the Transitional Care Ward click on image below

# data[].attributes.body
If your baby is on our Neonatal Unit or Transitional Care Ward click above image

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Birmingham Women's Expressing Your Breast Milk

# data[].attributes.headline
Click image below for information on expressing breast milk 

# data[].attributes.subject
Click image below for information on expressing breast milk 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Breastfeeding and Relationship Building

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Breastfeeding and Relationship Building

# data[].attributes.headline
Storing breastmilk : Home storage times may differ from hospital storage times

# data[].attributes.subject
Storing breastmilk : Home storage times may differ from hospital storage times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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 […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies and mothers to develop close, loving parent-infant relationships and to initiate breastfeeding.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Meeting baby for the first time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Meeting baby for the first time

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Building a happy baby: A Guide for Parents Leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This leaflet offers advice and information for parents on getting to know their baby and setting up the foundations for a close and loving relationship.

We now know that building a strong relationship between parents and their new baby will give them the best possible start in life and will help them to grow up happy and confident. This leaflet is free to download and helps parents to develop that strong relationship, starting in pregnancy and continuing into the early days, weeks and months of a baby's life.

Health professionals may want to use this leaflet in conjunction with the Baby Friendly guide to antenatal and postnatal conversations and accompanying signature sheets.

Printed copies cost £15 per pack (1-9 packs) or £11 per pack (10 or more packs). There are 50 leaflets per pack and this price includes P&P within UK. Order using the Baby Friendly Resources order form, which you can download from our Resources page.
Please note: Orders for UK delivery only, and include postage and packaging costs. Orders may take up to 7 working days to process. The Baby Friendly Initiative reserve the right to re-print items at any time. If you are looking to order audit tools or e-learning please use our digital resources order form. Our myth buster posters show the key Happy Baby messages in bright and colourful poster form - find out more.

Building a Happy Baby: A Guide for Parents

Baby Friendly standards

Support to build a close and loving relationship is a key element of the Baby Friendly standards. Find out more about embedding our standards in your service.

Find more relationship building resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Building a happy baby: A Guide for Parents Leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This leaflet helps parents to get to know their baby and to set up the foundations for a close and loving relationship.

# data[].attributes.body
Ask your midwife for a kit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mothering is about building relationships and nurturing the love and trust that enables babies and children to thrive. And mothering through breastfeeding is a normal, natural and effective way of doing this. Breastfeeding helps you nurture your relationship with your baby and meet their individual needs. It's nature's way of satisfying a baby's need for food, love, comfort and connection.

It can take time to learn what a baby needs. Some childcare experts promote strict routines for babies and young children. They claim that if a mother follows their rulebook, her baby will be perfectly content. But every baby is different. While we may feel reassured if our day follows a predictable pattern, strict routines for feeding and sleeping often fail to meet the needs of individual babies.

Difficulties with routines
Full breasts slow down their rate of milk production, which may lead to:
Problems caused by expressing
Breastmilk: a balanced meal, a drink, a snack
Breastfeeding: comfort and connection too
Frequent breastfeeds: day and night
One breast or two
Breastfeeding patterns adjust
Finding your own rhythms: a sense of freedom
Think of breastfeeds as minor events
Expect the unexpected
Establishing helpful patterns
Babies are little for such a short time

Difficulties with routines

Some babies will object strongly to an imposed routine that doesn't meet their needs. Others are easy going, and give only subtle signals that a particular routine isn't right for them. Early feeding cues include hand sucking, lip smacking, turning their head towards you, or fussing. Don't wait until they are desperate-crying is a late sign of hunger. Trying to 'stretch' the gaps between feeds is hard work and stressful for you both and can reduce your baby's overall intake of milk.

A well-drained breast makes milk faster than a full one. Encourage your baby to nurse frequently enough to keep your breasts soft and comfortable.

Full breasts slow down their rate of milk production, which may lead to:

A baby gaining weight slowly or needing supplements to maintain adequate weight gain.

A sleepy baby who needs to be roused and encouraged to breastfeed actively to get the food they need.

Lengthy feeds.

A fussy baby.

Engorgement, blocked ducts or mastitis.

Expressing milk (pumping) can cause problems

Some childcare experts advise pumping to keep milk supply one step ahead of a baby's needs. However, expressing can interfere with the delicate balance that happens when your baby and body are in tune with each other. Making more milk than your baby needs increases your risk of mastitis. You may experience fast flow and/or oversupply causing your baby to gag, splutter or come on and off the breast. Your baby might also have colic or be fussy.

Breastmilk: a balanced meal, a drink, a snack

Just like adults, babies feed irregularly-none of us eats the same amount at every meal, nor do we always follow a set timetable for eating and drinking. With easy access to the breast, babies will balance their intake of fluids, calories, proteins, fats and other nutrients so they receive exactly what they need. All that is usually needed is the confidence to let your baby take the lead.

Breastfeeding: comfort and connection too

Breastfeeding isn't just food and drink. It also helps you and your baby maintain that connection and closeness with each other. So when your baby is tired or unhappy or upset, theyinstinctively ask to nurse because it helps them regain a sense of rightness with the world. Many breastfeeding mothers say that the ability to calm and comfort a baby just by nursing is one of the main reasons for carrying on. It makes life easier and more peaceful for everyone.

Frequent breastfeeds: day and night

Your baby needs to nurse frequently to establish and maintain your milk production, especially in the early weeks. While breastfeeds may be further apart in the morning, it's very common for babies to nurse frequently (or 'cluster feed') in the evening. Babies receive fattier milk when they nurse more often. Your baby is stocking up for the night and putting in their order for tomorrow! (See here for more on coping with Fussy evenings with a newborn.)

One breast or two

Sometimes your baby will want one breast, at other times both. Your baby knows what they need-let them nurse actively from the first breast until they come off looking satisfied or sleepy. Then offer the second breast. After the first few months babies often become really efficient feeders-so don't be surprised if they've finished in 10 minutes or so! Their nappy output and continuing weight gain will reassure you they are getting enough. ( Is my baby getting enough milk?)

Breastfeeding patterns adjust

A baby's growth rate and mother's breast storage capacity will affect their nursing pattern. Even the weather can make a difference-a thirsty baby will probably nurse more in hot weather. When babies have growth spurts and seem extra hungry, most mothers find there's no need to pump to keep up milk production-more frequent feeds will do the trick. Milk production quickly adapts to meet your baby's needs and feeding patterns settle down within a few days.

Finding your own rhythms: a sense of freedom

Combining some predictability with flexibility can give you a sense of freedom and stop you feeling tied down. At first, life with a new baby can seem quite chaotic, but if you relax and observe your baby you will find gentle patterns emerging. You can build on these patterns, creating a daily rhythm to suit you both.

Strict routines don't necessarily make life easier for you. Being tied to particular routines, nap-times and sleep places can make getting out and about, visiting friends or taking holidays more complicated.

Your needs and those of your baby will change with time and from day to day. Following your baby's rhythms will help you meet their needs when they have has growth spurts or are ill. It will also give you confidence to adapt when necessary, for example for a doctor's appointment or holiday travel arrangements. When your baby is attached to you, rather than their routine, problems are less likely and you may feel more relaxed about managing the day.

Think of breastfeeds as minor events

Just as with your own tea-breaks, try thinking of feeds as minor and flexible events that fit in with everyday life rather than major events which have to be planned for.

Expect the unexpected

Whatever your baby's usual pattern is, there will always be times when they surprise you. They might sleep at a different time, sleep longer, or not at all. They might go longer between feeds, or suddenly want to feed more frequently. But there's no need to panic-this is how babies are! We may never know the reason for such changes. Life will either settle back into the original pattern or a new one will establish itself. Your baby will continue to grow and surprise you over the coming years.

Establishing helpful patterns

Morning - Having a reasonably regular time and pattern for getting up and dressed can be a springboard for your day.
Going out - Going out can help structure your day, entertain your baby and give you a sense of purpose. You can develop a routine for getting everyone fed, ready, and out of the house. Prepare what you'll need the evening before if you need to get out early.
Afternoon - Babies are often ready to have a sleep somewhere around the middle of the day. Babies are all different and patterns change as they grow and develop. Try to tune in to your own baby's natural rhythms of feeding, alertness and sleep and adjust your activities to match them. A nap or a rest for yourself, too, can help boost your energy for the rest of the day.
Night-time - A gentle evening routine, eg bath, rocking, singing and nursing can help a tired baby wind down to sleep. Watch for fussing, yawning and rubbing of eyes and start your wind down pattern promptly. Some babies are natural 'night owls', taking a late afternoon nap and being alert during the evening.

Household tasks - Developing the ability to be 'interruptible' is a real help. Completing housework in small 'bites' while being prepared to pause and attend to children can be a successful way to meet everyone's needs. Seeing the world through your baby's eyes can help you slow down and enjoy the present rather than rushing to get things done. Mothering babies and young children is a full-time job-it's ambitious to expect to be a cleaner, cook and gardener at the same time. Concentrate on essentials. Do those things you can do with a baby around and save really tricky jobs for times when you have help. It's unlikely you'll look back in years to come and wish you had done more housework!

Babies are little for such a short time

You can't spoil a baby with love and attention. The easiest way to care for a baby is to accept and meet their need for closeness. Remember, you know your baby best; take the information, advice and the ideas that are helpful to you and ignore those suggestions that don't feel right. You can develop rhythms and routines that are in tune with your needs, and those of your baby and family.

For support in meeting your baby's needs contact an LLL Leader by calling our Helpline or visiting our website. It can be helpful to share experiences with others at your local LLL group where you can exchange practical tips.

Written by Karen Butler, Sue Upstone and mothers of LLLGB.

Pages you might also be interested in:
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Adjusting to Motherhood
Breastfeeding Basics
The Unhappy Baby
Safe Sleep and the Breastfed Baby
Fussy evenings with a newborn

Further Reading
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. LLLI. London: Pinter & Martin, 2010.
How Mothers Love and How Relationships Are Born. Stadlen, N. London: Piatkus Books, 2011.
What Mothers Do, Especially When It Looks Like Nothing. Stadlen, N. London: Piatkus Books, 2005.
Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby's brain. Gerhardt, S. London: Routledge, 2004.
Kiss me! How to raise your children with love. Carlos Gonzalez. London: Pinter & March 2020

The information sheet is available to buy in printed format from our shop.
Rhythms & Routines is dedicated to all LLL Leaders who have given their time generously to support breastfeeding mothers and families over the past sixty years and continue to do so.
Copyright LLLGB 2020

Updated June 2022

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rhythms and Routines - La Leche League GB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mothering is about building relationships and nurturing the love and trust that enables babies and children to thrive. And mothering through breastfeeding is a normal, natural and effective way of doing this. Breastfeeding helps you nurture your relationship with your baby and meet their individual needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our friendly peer support team can help with establishing and continuing breastfeeding, chest feeding, expressing, bottle feeding, weaning from breastfeeding and introducing solids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Birmingham Breastfeeding Support - Google My Maps

# data[].attributes.headline
Live outside of Birmingham and want Infant Feeding Support near you

# data[].attributes.subject
Live outside of Birmingham and want Infant Feeding Support near you

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Birmingham Breastfeeding Support - Google My Maps

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

# data[].attributes.headline
Click here for more information on Baby Buddy App

# data[].attributes.subject
Click here for more information on Baby Buddy App

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Do you have any breastfeeding questions? Get NHS trusted advice from the Breastfeeding Friend available on Google Home. Find out more

# data[].attributes.headline
Digital Infant Feeding Support available from your home

# data[].attributes.subject
Digital Infant Feeding Support available from your home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Do you have any breastfeeding questions? Get NHS trusted advice from the Breastfeeding Friend available on Google Home. Find out more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you need breastfeeding support & advice? There is a lot of help available - including the Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life on Google Home. Click to find out more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

# data[].attributes.headline
Telephone Feeding Support for those Individual Questions from any place

# data[].attributes.subject
Telephone Feeding Support for those Individual Questions from any place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.

# data[].attributes.headline
More  information to help you prepare to meet your baby

# data[].attributes.subject
More  information to help you prepare to meet your baby