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Generic New Baby & Me Leaflet No Venue V1.1

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Advice for patients that have had a C-section

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MFT FEEDING SUPPORT LEAFLET  UPDATED INFO

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Welcome to the POGP Pregnancy and Early Postnatal section.

Find out more about pregnancy and early postnatal topics on our dedicated pages:

External links

Coming soon - collection of videos featuring women who have spoken out about their experience of suffering from the effects of an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI)

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Welcome to the POGP Pregnancy and Early Postnatal section.

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To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you're planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.

When not to co-sleep

Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can't breathe.
Co-sleeping more safely

Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.

Follow all The Lullaby Trust's other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.

Try to make sure or check that baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall

Never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed

For more info on co-sleeping and safer sleep read our guide for parents
If you are bedsharing with your baby you should consider any risks before every sleep. It is easy for your situation to change if you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol, which means your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket on that occasion.

Co-sleeping with your baby: FAQs

I am worried I might fall asleep while I breastfeed my baby at night, is this ok?

Click here to open this question

Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS. If you feel you might fall asleep we would recommend you prepare the bed as described above so it is safer for baby if this happens.

Make sure you know the advice on when never to co-sleep so you know when to take particular care. It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you might fall asleep on a sofa or armchair, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.

Should I co-sleep with my baby?

Click here to open this question

The safest place for a baby is their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. We would just advise you to read all the information on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risks, so you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

However, there are some circumstances where we would strongly recommend against co-sleeping such as on a sofa or armchair, if anyone in the bed smokes or has drunk alcohol or your baby was premature or a low birth weight.

Can I co-sleep with twins or multiples?

Click here to open this question

If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

Is it safer to co-sleep using a nest or pod than with a baby just lying on the adult bed?

Click here to open this question

No. We do not recommend that babies sleep on soft surfaces such as pods or nests. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby the safest place is a clear space on a firm flat mattress the same as we would advise with a cot.

Why do you advise against co-sleeping in certain scenarios?

Click here to open this question

It is estimated that around half of SIDS deaths occur whilst co-sleeping, and that most of these are in high risk situations. We do not know the cause of SIDS and why these deaths happen but we do know what some of the risk factors are and that removing those risks greatly lowers the chance of SIDS occurring.

For that reason we strongly advise against co-sleeping when there are risk factors such as a baby being premature or a parent having drunk alcohol.

What bedding should I use for my baby when we co-sleep?
The Lullaby Trust has worked with Public Heath England, Unicef UK Baby Friendly and Basis on two publications to support families with safer sleep advice and advice on co-sleeping more safely. We have also collaborated on a guide for health professionals to have more open and productive discussions with families about safer sleep and co-sleeping. These can be downloaded below.

Click here to open this question

Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing. Keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold

A baby sleeping bag is a good way of giving your baby their own bedding when bedsharing.

Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age.

You might also be interested in reading the two Unicef Baby Friendly publications, which are both endorsed by The Lullaby Trust:

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Some parents choose to share a bed (known as co-sleeping) with their babies. Read our advice on how to co-sleep more safely.

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This hub aims to inform about the types of tears that can occur during childbirth, how to minimise your risk of deeper tearing, and what can be done to help your recovery if you do tear.

We also aim to support you to take prompt action if you have any concerns about your recovery, helping you feel better informed when discussing any topics with a healthcare professional.

This information has been developed by the OASI Care Bundle Project Team, the OASI Care Bundle Clinical Champions and perineal specialists.

It is based on the RCOG Green-top Guideline No.29 The Management of Third and Fourth Degree Tears (June 2015) and expert opinion from the above named developers and key stakeholders in line with RCOG due process.

Please give us your feedback

We would like to understand how people are using this resource to help ensure it is relevant and useful. To give us your feedback, please complete our short survey.If you have any questions, please email womensvoices@rcog.org.uk

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Perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth

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Welcome to our hub for perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth.

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Manchester Local Care Organisation Infant Feeding Team

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Manchester Local Care Organisation Infant Feeding Team

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We offer client centred, evidence-based research to support optimal outcomes for parents and babies supporting them to reach their personal feeding goals.

Preferably an antenatal contact to prepare for feeding baby, followed by early support after delivery with ongoing support as and when needed. Open access to feeding support.

We offer support via few different channels, phone support, home visits, drop in clinics, virtual support group, educational workshops (antenatal session, diary free weaning).

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Infant Feeding Team - Manchester Local Care Organisation

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We offer client centred, evidence-based research to support optimal outcomes for parents and babies supporting them to reach their personal feeding goals. Preferably an antenatal contact to prepare for feeding baby, followed by early support after delivery with ongoing support as and when needed. Open access to feeding support.

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Neurological Epidural Spinal Complications Poster Final French poster

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Central and South Manchester Infant Feeding team

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Central and South Manchester Infant Feeding team

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Welcome to the contraception guide

"Where can I get contraception?"

"Which method of contraception suits me?"

"I'm under 16 - can I get contraception?"

Whatever questions you have about getting and using contraception, this guide can help.

It aims to give practical information to everyone who wants to know more about contraception, or who may have a question about the method they use or are thinking about using.

You can find out about the different methods available on the NHS, together with where to get them and how to decide which method might work best for you.

Finding your way around

If you're viewing this page on a computer screen, use the blue tabs at the top of the page to see a full menu for each section of the contraception guide.

If you can't find what you're after, try the search box at the top of the page - it covers everything on the NHS website.

If you're viewing this on a mobile device, use the blue sections at the top of the page and you'll see a list of all the topics covered in this guide.

Popular subjects and pages

You can start by finding out about the methods of contraception you can choose from, including how they work, who can use them and possible side effects.

These methods are:

There are 2 permanent methods of contraception:

You can also read about emergency contraception, which can be used after unprotected sex or if your normal method of contraception fails.

You can also find out about:

Deciding which method suits you

Which method works best for you depends on a number of factors, including your age, whether you smoke, your medical and family history, and any medicines you're taking.

Find out more in Which method suits me?

Where you can get contraception and emergency contraception

Contraception is free on the NHS. Find out where to get contraception and search by postcode to find:

You can also find out where to get emergency contraception - the "morning after pill" or the IUD (coil).

Common questions about contraception

Get answers to some common questions about getting and using contraception, including:

There are more questions and answers if you use the blue tabs at the top of the page under the section "Worries and questions" and "Questions about the pill".

Page last reviewed: 17 March 2021
Next review due: 17 March 2024

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"Where can I get contraception?" "Which method of contraception suits me?" "I'm under 16 - can I get contraception?" Whatever questions you have about getting and using contraception, this guide can help. It aims to give practical information to everyone who wants to know more about contraception, or who may have a question about the method they use or are thinking about using.

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Neurological Complications. Hindi Proofread - Amended

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Greater Manchester Infant Male Circumcision

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About us

The Greater Manchester Infant Male Circumcision Quality Group works with parents and private practitioners to assist informed decisions, reduce the risk of harm and provide access to continuous quality improvement advice.

Read more

Resources for parents

Discover how to get your infant son circumcised safely and view our list of quality-assured providers.

Get advice today

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Home - Greater Manchester Infant Male Circumcision

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About us The Greater Manchester Infant Male Circumcision Quality Group works with parents and private practitioners to assist informed decisions, reduce the risk of harm and provide access to continuous quality improvement advice. Read more Resources for parents Discover how to get your infant son circumcised safely and view our list of quality-assured providers.

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Walk and talk - South MAnchester - Infant feeding

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Walk and talk - South MAnchester - Infant feeding

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Advice if you’re affected by the cost of living crisis

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Mums Matter: Supporting New Mums in North Manchester - Manchester Mind

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For many women being a new mum can be a difficult, exhausting, frightening and stressful experience. This course aims to help.

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We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Self-feeding pillows/prop feeders present a risk of serious harm or death from choking or aspiration pneumonia.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an Urgent Safety Alert for baby self-feeding pillows and is urging the public to stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely.

Businesses selling these products must immediately remove them from the market as they cannot comply with the safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Baby self-feeding pillow products are designed to be attached to a bottle so that the baby may be positioned on its back to self-feed without the assistance of a caregiver holding the bottle and controlling the feed.

This is inconsistent with NHS guidance in relation to safe bottle feeding.

When used as intended, even whilst under the supervision of a caregiver, it could lead to immediate, serious harm or death from choking or aspiration pneumonia.

Consumers, local authority trading standards services and businesses are asked to take specific action to cease use or remove these products from the market as advised below.

Action

OPSS has identified that this category of products will always be dangerous due to their design and intended use and can never be made safe.

Consumers

Consumers should immediately stop using these products and dispose of them safely.

Businesses

Must immediately remove these products from the market as they cannot comply with the safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations, 2005.

Must comply with their obligations under product safety law.

Local Authority Trading Standards and Northern Ireland Environmental Health

Should identify and take appropriate action against businesses that sell baby self-feeding pillows as they do not comply with the safety requirements set down in the General Product Safety Regulations, 2005.

Visit the Office for Product Safety and Standards web pages on GOV.UK for further information and contact details.

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Urgent Safety Alert issued for baby self-feeding pillows

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Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Help with the cost of living crisis | Manchester City Council

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Helping hands - advice on debt, bills and making your money go further

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Our mobile food clubs make life more affordable for people on low incomes, build stronger communities and reduce food waste.

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We are moving from paper vouchers to the Healthy Start card. We will send the last paper vouchers out on the week starting the 7th March. You can still use any valid vouchers to get free vitamins.

Why you should get your free Healthy Start vitamins

Young children may not get enough vitamin A and D even if they are eating well. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding you may not get enough vitamin C or D or folic acid.

You can use your Healthy Start card to get these important vitamins for free. These come as NHS Healthy Start tablets and drops for children.

They do not contain milk, egg, gluten, soya or peanut residues. They're suitable for vegetarians and halal diets.

You can get the vitamin tablets while you're pregnant and up to your baby's 1st birthday. They contain:

folic acid which lowers the chance of babies having spinal problems

vitamin C which helps the body's soft tissue

vitamin D which helps babies' bones to develop properly

Children can take vitamin drops if they:

are less than 4 years old

have less than 500ml (about one pint) of infant formula a day - as formula already has vitamins added to it

Healthy Start vitamins come as an 8-week supply of:

56 tablets (a daily dose of 1 tablet)

280 drops (a daily dose of 5 drops)

You or your children should not take more than the recommended amount.

Find out more about the vitamins you and your baby need and why (opens in a new tab).

How to get free vitamins if you live in England

Ask your midwife or health visitor where to get your free vitamins.

You can also find who stocks Healthy Start vitamins in your local area (opens in a new tab).

To collect your free vitamins, you'll have to show your Healthy Start card or vouchers.

How to get free vitamins if you live in Wales

You can collect free vitamins at your local health board. You will need to show your Healthy Start card or vouchers.

How to get free vitamins if you live in Northern Ireland and have a Healthy Start card

If you are eligible, we will send you a letter explaining how to request your free vitamins. We will check your request and send your order to the Business Services Organisation (opens in a new tab) in Northern Ireland. They will then post the vitamins to you.

How to get free vitamins if you live in Northern Ireland and have valid paper vouchers

Put your vitamin vouchers and the Healthy Start letter that comes with them in an envelope. Send the envelope to:

Business Services Organisation
Healthy Start vitamin scheme
Pinewood Villa
73 Loughgall Road
Armagh
BT61 7PR

The Business Services Organisation (opens in a new tab) will then post the vitamins to you.

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We are moving from paper vouchers to the Healthy Start card. We will send the last paper vouchers out on the week starting the 7th March. You can still use any valid vouchers to get free vitamins. Young children may not get enough vitamin A and D even if they are eating well.

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GM Perinatal and Parent Infant Mental Health Services

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GM Perinatal and Parent Infant Mental Health Services

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Greater Manchester Perinatal and Parent Infant Mental Health Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

The great news is there's no evidence of harm for postpartum women to begin a gradual return to moderate intensity physical activity and strength training. The key is to listen to your body and start gradually, whatever your levels of activity before or during pregnancy.

There are some symptons you do need to look out for, and if you have any of the following then intense physical activity should NOT be resumed.

Urinary and/or faecal incontinence

Urinary and/or faecal urgency that is difficult to defer

Heaviness / pressure / bulge / dragging in the pelvic area

Pain with intercourse

Obstruction defecation

Pendular abdomen, seperated abdominal muscles and/or decreased abdominal strength and function

Musculoskeletal lumbopelvic pain

If you not sure what these are and you are experiencing pain, then please seek advice from a healthcare professional or physiotherapist.

Disclaimer

Anyone taking part in the Couch to Fitness Postnatal Programme does so at their own risk.

Couch to Fitness does not accept any responsibility for any individual or group of individuals, who may be participating in the Couch to Fitness Postnatal Programme. To take part in the Couch to Fitness Postnatal Programme, you must be in good physical health. If you've been told on health or medical grounds that you should not take part in moderate intensity physical activities, then you should not be joining in with this workout. By taking part in this exercise and fitness session, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

To perform this activity in a safe way, you must make sure that the area you use is suitable.

Where referring to 'women' or 'mothers', this should be taken to include all people who are pregnant or have given birth.

Where referring to 'women' or 'mothers', this should be taken to include all people who are pregnant or have given birth.

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Frequently Asked Questions The great news is there's no evidence of harm for postpartum women to begin a gradual return to moderate intensity physical activity and strength training. The key is to listen to your body and start gradually, whatever your levels of activity before or during pregnancy.

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Parental mental health - Your Baby and You

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Learning about your baby (part 2) - Your Baby and You

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Learning about your baby (part 1) - Your Baby and You

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Attachment and bonding - Your Baby and You

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A chance to get active & dance to awesome tunes, feel joy, connection and laughter, while holding your little one close. Yes, they even often fall asleep! (yes even those sleep stealers!)

Aimed at Mums (& Dads!) for some well deserved you time, to have fun and other lovely Parents in your area too. We are very much a community with the social aspect also being a big part of why Parents love us!

No dance experience needed...we are all about JOY (2 left feet are welcome!)

No fitness level required (suitable from 8 weeks corrected or 12 weeks c-section)

You don't need a carrier. All our Instructors are Born to Carry Peer Support trained and/or SlingaBaby Consultants and can fit you in one of ours or help you with yours, so you are both safe and comfy.

We are happy to have older siblings attend classes too for no extra cost.

We welcome everyone with their little one to our classes, Dads, Grans, Foster carers...everyone is welcome!

You can find our FULL FAQ's with everything you need HERE: Babywearing dance classes - Dance Like a Mother

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Dance Like a Mother - Parent & Baby Class

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Dance Like a Mother is the Award Winning Babywearing Dance class & Community for Parents and their little ones aged 8 weeks to 2 years. A chance for you to dance to some awesome tunes (2 left feet always welcome!) whilst bonding with your baby and meeting other lovely Parents in your area.

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Your body needs iron to make red blood cells for both you and your baby. If you are anaemic, or having twins, your doctor may also give you iron supplements.

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The truth about being physically active during pregnancy and as a new mum

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GMMH139 Perinatal and Early Pregnancy IAPT Service Leaflet Print Ready

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J003054 Pregnancy in mental health leaflet - Manchester (South Trafford) (003)

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Care of a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear

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Care of a 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear

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We would appreciate your feedback on the information on this page. Please click below to take a short 5 minute survey. 

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We would appreciate your feedback on the information on this page. Please click below to take a short 5 minute survey. 

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Saint Marys' Postnatal Padlet patient feedback

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Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

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During this online video session, we will talk about our three key topics; Attachment and Bonding, Mum's and Dad's Mental Health and Wellbeing and Access to Appropriate Services. We will also cover Labour, Birth and Beyond from a Dad's perspective.

Because the session is a virtual group, with facilitators live on the end of a webcam, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, make comments, and listen to other dads experiences.

To book on to your local session use the buttons below.

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During this online video session, we will talk about our three key topics; Attachment and Bonding, Mum's and Dad's Mental Health and Wellbeing and Access to Appropriate Services. We will also cover Labour, Birth and Beyond from a Dad's perspective.

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This Mum Moves is an exciting National Lottery and Sport England funded project aimed at supporting women to be active during and after pregnancy. By providing healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver physical activity advice and guidance to pregnant and postpartum women, the pr…

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This book provides information on caring for children up to five years old and contact details for useful organisations. It is available to new parents resident in Northern Ireland through primary care services (antenatal clinics, GPs or health visitors).

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This book provides information on caring for children up to five years old and contact details for useful organisations. It is available to new parents resident in Northern Ireland through primary care services (antenatal clinics, GPs or health visitors).

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Bump to Baby programme - update Dec 2021

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Bump to Baby programme - update Dec 2021

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Manchester Bump to Baby Programme updated (003)

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Discharge information - St Mary's, North Manchester and Wythenshawe

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Discharge information - St Mary's, North Manchester and Wythenshawe

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Post natal physical activity recommendations

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Post natal physical activity recommendations

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Breastfeeding info and videos in other languages

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Breastfeeding info and videos in other languages

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

Join the Conversation

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

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

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

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

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

Video not working? Contact us

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Positioning and attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiativ

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

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Trust your instincts

It can be difficult to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts.

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong.

Signs of serious illness in a baby or toddler

Here's a checklist of warning signs that might indicate your baby or toddler is seriously ill and requires medical help.

Temperature

a high temperature, but cold feet and hands

a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months and do not give ibuprofen to a baby under 3 months or under 5kg, unless prescribed by a doctor)

a very high or low temperature

your child feels hot or cold to touch, or is shivering

your child is quiet and listless, even when their temperature is not high

a high temperature in a baby less than 2 months old

Find out more about high temperature (fever) in children and what to do
Breathing

rapid breathing or panting

a throaty noise while breathing

your child is finding it hard to get their breath and is sucking their stomach in under their ribs

Other signs

blue, pale, blotchy, or ashen (grey) skin - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

your child is hard to wake up, or appears disoriented or confused

your child is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry

green vomit

your child is not feeding normally and you're worried

nappies that are drier than usual - this is a sign of dehydration

Where to get help for a seriously ill child

If your child has any of signs of serious illness, get medical help as soon as possible:

during the day from Monday to Friday - it's best to call your GP surgery

evenings and weekends - call NHS 111

if your baby is under 6 months old it's hard for a doctor or nurse to assess them over the phone - you can go to an urgent treatment centre or, if you're very worried, take them to A&E

When to visit urgent treatment centres (urgent care services) Find your nearest A&E

When to call an ambulance

Call 999 for an ambulance if your child:

stops breathing

will not wake up

has a spotty, purple or red rash anywhere on their body that does not fade when you press a glass against it, as this could be a sign of sepsis - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

is under 8 weeks old and you're very worried about them

has a febrile seizure (fit) for the first time, even if they seem to recover

has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

may have been seriously injured by you or someone else

Trust your instincts. You know what's different or worrying behaviour in your child.

More information about serious illness that can affect babies and toddlers

Learn the signs of serious illnesses that can affect children, including:

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How to recognise warning signs of serious illness in children under 5, such as cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, or mottled skin. Plus, advice on when to call an ambulance or take your child to A&E.

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You'll probably be in hospital for 1 or 2 days after a caesarean section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks.

Recovering in hospital

Most women can leave hospital 1 or 2 days after having a caesarean section.

While in hospital:

you'll be given painkillers to reduce any discomfort

you'll have regular close contact with your baby and can start breastfeeding

you'll be encouraged to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible

you can eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty

a thin, flexible tube called a catheter will remain in your bladder for at least 12 hours

your wound will be covered with a dressing for at least 24 hours

When you're well enough to go home, you'll need to arrange for someone to give you a lift as you will not be able to drive for a few weeks.

Looking after your wound

Your midwife should also advise you on how to look after your wound.

You'll usually be advised to:

gently clean and dry the wound every day

wear loose, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear

take a painkiller if the wound is sore - for most women, it's better to take paracetamol or ibuprofen (but not aspirin) while you're breastfeeding

watch out for signs of infection

Non-dissolvable stitches or staples will usually be taken out by your midwife after 5 to 7 days.

Your scar

The wound in your tummy will eventually form a scar.

This will usually be a horizontal scar about 10 to 20cm long, just below your bikini line.

In rare cases, you may have a vertical scar just below your bellybutton.

The scar will probably be red and obvious at first, but should fade with time and will often be hidden by your pubic hair.

On darker skin, the scar tissue may fade to leave a brown or white mark.

Controlling pain and bleeding

Most women experience some discomfort for the first few days after a caesarean, and for some women the pain can last several weeks.

You should make sure you have regular painkillers to take at home for as long as you need them, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Aspirin and the stronger painkiller codeine present in co-codamol is not usually recommended if you're breastfeeding.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on the most suitable painkiller for you to take.

You may also have some vaginal bleeding.

Use sanitary pads rather than tampons to reduce the risk of spreading infection into the vagina, and get medical advice if the bleeding is heavy.

Returning to your normal activities

Try to stay mobile and do gentle activities, such as going for a daily walk, while you're recovering to reduce the risk of blood clots. Be careful not to overexert yourself.

You should be able to hold and carry your baby once you get home.

But you may not be able to do some activities straight away, such as:

driving

exercising

carrying anything heavier than your baby

having sex

Only start to do these things again when you feel able to do so and do not find them uncomfortable. This may not be for 6 weeks or so.

Ask your midwife for advice if you're unsure when it's safe to start returning to your normal activities.

You can also ask a GP at your 6-week postnatal check.

When to get medical advice

Contact your midwife or a GP straight away if you have any of the following symptoms after a caesarean:

severe pain

leaking urine

pain when peeing

heavy vaginal bleeding

your wound becomes more red, painful and swollen

a discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid from your wound

a cough or shortness of breath

swelling or pain in your lower leg

These symptoms may be the sign of an infection or blood clot, which should be treated as soon as possible.

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Find out about after a caesarean section, including what you can expect and how long you need to avoid activities such as driving.

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Good hygiene is very important when making up a formula feed.
Your baby's immune system is not as strong as an adult's. That's why bottles, teats and any other feeding equipment need to be washed and sterilised before each feed.

This will reduce the chance of your baby getting an infection, in particular diarrhoea and vomiting.
Find out more about sterilising baby bottles

Product recall: Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered formula

Some batches of Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac powdered formula, made by Abbott, have been recalled as a precaution because they may contain bacteria. If you have bought or been prescribed either of these types of formula, return them to where you got them from and do not give them to a baby.
Find out more from the Food Standards Agency

Step-by-step guide to preparing a formula feed

Step 1: Fill the kettle with at least 1 litre of fresh tap water (do not use water that has been boiled before).

Step 2: Boil the water. Then leave the water to cool for no more than 30 minutes, so that it remains at a temperature of at least 70C.

Step 3: Clean and disinfect the surface you are going to use.

Step 4: It's important that you wash your hands.

Step 5: If you are using a cold-water steriliser, shake off any excess solution from the bottle and the teat, or rinse them with cooled boiled water from the kettle (not tap water).

Step 6: Stand the bottle on the cleaned, disinfected surface.

Step 7: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and pour the amount of water you need into the bottle. Double check that the water level is correct. Always put the water in the bottle first, while it is still hot, before adding the powdered formula.

Step 8: Loosely fill the scoop with formula powder, according to the manufacturer's instructions, then level it using either the flat edge of a clean, dry knife or the leveller provided. Different formulas come with different scoops. Make sure you only use the scoop that comes with the formula.

Step 9: Holding the edge of the teat, put it into the retaining ring, check it is secure, then screw the ring tightly onto the bottle. Make sure the ring is attached firmly.

Step 10: Cover the teat with the cap and shake the bottle until the powder is dissolved.

Step 11: It's important to cool the formula so it's not too hot to drink. Do this by holding the bottle (with the lid on) under cold running water.

Step 12: Test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should be body temperature, which means it should feel warm or cool, but not hot.

Step 13: If there is any made-up formula left in the bottle after a feed, throw it away.

Dos and don'ts of making up formula feeds

Do follow the manufacturer's instructions very carefully, as they vary as to how much water and powder to use.

Do not add extra formula powder when making up a feed. This can make your baby constipated or dehydrated.

Do not add extra water when making up a feed. Too little powder may not give your baby enough nourishment.

Do not add sugar or cereals to your baby's formula.

Never warm up formula in a microwave, as it may heat the feed unevenly and burn your baby's mouth.

Reducing the risk of infection

Even when tins and packets of powdered infant formula are sealed, they can sometimes contain bacteria.

Bacteria multiply very fast at room temperature. Even when a feed is kept in a fridge, bacteria can still survive and multiply, although more slowly.

To reduce the risk of infection, it's best to make up feeds 1 at a time, as your baby needs them.

Use freshly boiled drinking water from the tap to make up a feed. Do not use artificially softened water or water that has been boiled before.

Leave the water to cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes. Then it will stay at a temperature of at least 70C. Water at this temperature will kill any harmful bacteria.

Remember to let the feed cool before you give it to your baby. Or you can hold the bottle (with the lid on) under cold water from the tap.

Do not use bottled water to make up formula feeds

Bottled water is not recommended for making up feeds, as it's not sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate.

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How to make up formula milk feeds for your baby correctly and safely.

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Hand expression is a useful skill to learn, and it's a way of getting milk out of your breast with your hand only, as opposed to a pump.

Why might you need to hand express?

Several circumstances might warrant this.

One common scenario can be straight after the birth, usually around the second or third day, when it's not unusual for many women to notice that their breasts have become overly full ( engorged ) as the mature milk comes in and the volume of milk increases.

If you become engorged, there is a general congestion happening, and your nipple and areola area are also likely to become engorged, and therefore, flatter.

Some babies struggle to latch on when this happens.

Hand expressing your milk will help your baby to latch on better, as it will make your nipple protrude better, and keep you comfortable as well.

If your baby is struggling to latch on well after the birth, hand expressing your milk is a great way to generate your supply, and your expressed milk can be given to your baby until he gets better at doing what he is hard-wired to do.

If you experience a blocked duct , hand expression, alongside massage and warmth, is a fantastic way to get rid of the blockage quickly.

You can even target the problem area with hand expression.

If you have an overactive let-down , where milk spurts out of your nipple too forcibly after your baby does the first quick sucks, you may find that this causes an issue for your baby.

He may cough or splutter, or even arch away from the breast very quickly, and be quite distressed.

In this situation, you can hand express just a small amount of milk (for just a few seconds) just before latching to allow the first fast bit of milk to come off the breast, and the flow to return to normal.

Your baby will then be more comfortable at the breast, and the flow more manageable.

It would be a good use of time to learn a little about antenatal expression of colostrum - where you hand express your milk just before birth, as you can use your milk in particular circumstances.

In the first few hours and days after birth, if you find that your baby isn't latching on too well or not at all, then hand expression is the best thing to do for that first couple of days before you consider using a breast pump .

Hand express every two to three hours while your body is producing the first milk, colostrum, and at night as well.

Once the volume of milk starts to increase around the third day after birth, it is important to use a hospital-grade double pump every 2-3 hours (and once at night) if your baby still isn't latching.

Before you do the hand expression technique, try to become as relaxed as you can.

This could perhaps involve watching the television, or having a hot drink, or reading.

Using warmth via a hot bath or shower, or warm flannels on your breast can be useful, as can massaging the breasts by kneading with your hand, all the way around the clock face.

Surprisingly, looking at a photograph of your baby or having a blanket that your baby has used near to you can also help generate the hormones that encourage your milk to let-down.

You will also need to use a wide-mouthed container to collect the milk.

Some women try to express into a bottle, but find this problematic as the milk shoots from the nipple in different directions!

It can be quite hard to catch, so it's better to use a jug or bowl that has been cleaned well with hot soapy water or preferably sterilized.

Hand expression - the technique

Once you have relaxed, cup your breast with one hand.

With your other hand, you can pinch your nipple and work back from the nipple, squeezing until you find an area where the texture feels slightly different.

Some women will say it feels like a row of nodules or dots, and others describe it differently.

Once you've found the area, put your thumb on top of the breast, fingers underneath, and squeeze and release, squeeze and release, squeeze and release, and continue doing that, building up a rhythm.

At first, it can be disconcerting because you may see nothing - you may even find that you do the squeeze and release routine for one to two minutes before you see any milk coming out of the breast at all.

While it may be discouraging, be assured it's normal, simply carry on. Squeeze and release, squeeze, and release.

Eventually, you will see drops. It could be tempting to give up at this point but keep squeezing and releasing at that same spot.

It's important not to slide your hands down the breast.

Eventually, you will see milk shooting or squirting out of the breast. Keep going, and soon the squirts will subside.

To reiterate, do the squeeze and release action until you see drops. Keep going until you see squirts.

Keep going until the squirts have subsided.

At that point, you can rotate to another area of the breast, and repeat that whole sequence, then rotate again.

When you've been all the way around the breast, move to your other breast, and start again.

If you find that the place where you put your thumb and your fingers isn't causing milk to come out of the breast, no matter how many times you've squeezed and released, then you can alter the position, move slightly towards the nipple, or further back, and try again there.

Sometimes it can take time to find the area.

Some women also find that they need to press into the chest wall first, and then do the squeeze and release.

Most women find that the more you practice the technique, the more finely tuned and natural it becomes over time.

Hand expression is an excellent skill to learn and very important, especially in the prevention of blocked ducts .

Blocked ducts can sometimes lead to mastitis , and more rarely, mastitis can lead to abscesses , so perfecting the art of hand expression provides you with an extremely effective preventative tool.

Review dates, references & further resources

Review Dates

Version 1.1 published in March 2019. Next review date: Jan 2022

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Hand Expression Of Milk - The Breastfeeding Companion

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Hand expression is a useful skill to learn, and it's a way of getting milk out of your breast with your hand only, as opposed to a pump. Why might you need to hand express? Several circumstances might warrant this.

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Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast so you can store it and feed it to your baby later.

You might want to express milk if:

How to express breast milk

You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump. How often you express your milk, and how much you express, will depend on why you're doing it.

Sometimes it takes a little while for your milk to start flowing. Try to choose a time when you feel relaxed. Having your baby (or a photo of them) nearby may help your milk to flow.

You may find it easier to express if you cover your breasts with a warm towel first, or after you have a shower or bath.

Expressing breast milk by hand

Some find it easier to express milk by hand, especially in the first few days or weeks. It also means you can express without needing a pump, or an electricity supply.

Hand expressing allows you to encourage milk to flow from a particular part of the breast. This may be useful, for example, if one of the milk ducts in your breast becomes blocked.

Hold a sterilised feeding bottle or container below your breast to catch the milk as it flows.

These tips may help:

Before you start, wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Have something clean ready to collect the milk in.

Some find gently massaging their breasts before expressing helps their milk to let down.

Cup your breast with one hand then, with your other hand, form a "C" shape with your forefinger and thumb.

Squeeze gently, keeping your finger and thumb a few centimetres away from your nipple, just outside the darker area around it (areola). Do not squeeze the nipple itself as you could make it sore. This should not hurt.

Release the pressure, then repeat, building up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin.

Drops should start to appear, and then your milk usually starts to flow.

If no drops appear, try moving your finger and thumb slightly, but still avoid squeezing the darker area near your nipple.

When the flow slows down, move your fingers round to a different section of your breast, and repeat.

When the flow from one breast has slowed, swap to the other breast. Keep changing breasts until your milk drips very slowly or stops altogether.

Watch a video about expressing milk by hand on the UNICEF website

Expressing milk with a breast pump

There are 2 different types of breast pump: manual (hand-operated) and electric.

Manual pumps are cheaper but may not be as quick as an electric pump.

You may be able to hire an electric pump. Your midwife, health visitor or a local breastfeeding supporter can give you details of pump hire services near you.

The suction strength can be altered on some electric pumps. Build up slowly. Setting the strength to high straight away may be painful or damage your nipple.

You may also be able to get different funnel (the part that goes over your nipple) sizes to fit your nipples. The pump should never cause bruising or catch your nipple as it's sucked into the funnel.

Always make sure that the pump and container are clean and sterilised before you use them.

Find out how to sterilise baby bottles

Storing breast milk

You can store breast milk in a sterilised container or in special breast milk storage bags:

in the fridge for up to 8 days at 4C or lower (you can buy fridge thermometers online) - if you're not sure of the temperature of your fridge, or it is higher than 4C, use it within 3 days

for 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge

for up to 6 months in a freezer, if it's -18C or lower

Breast milk that's been cooled in the fridge can be carried in a cool bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours.

Storing breast milk in small quantities will help avoid waste. If you're freezing it, make sure you label and date it first.

Defrosting frozen breast milk

It's best to defrost frozen breast milk slowly in the fridge before giving it to your baby. If you need to use it straight away, you can defrost it by putting it in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water.

Once it's defrosted, give it a gentle shake if it has separated. Use it straight away. Do not re-freeze milk that's been defrosted.

Once your baby has drunk from a bottle of breast milk it should be used within 1 hour and anything left over should be thrown away.

Warming breast milk

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water.

Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk. This can cause hot spots, which can burn your baby's mouth.

Storing breast milk if your baby is in hospital

If you're expressing breast milk because your baby is premature or sick, ask the hospital staff caring for your baby for advice on how to store it.

Read more about breastfeeding a premature or sick baby

If you're having difficulty expressing breast milk

If you're finding it difficult or uncomfortable to express your breast milk:

Ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for help. They can also tell you about other breastfeeding support available near you.

Search online for breastfeeding support in your area.

Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm daily).

The Bliss website also has advice about expressing milk for a premature or sick baby

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What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is an inflammatory skin condition that typically appears on a baby's scalp. The medical name for it is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It shows up in roughly 10 percent of babies, most often between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 months.

If your baby's scalp has yellow or brown flaky, crusty, or scaly skin that looks like dandruff, it's probably cradle cap.

You might notice the same condition in other areas where the skin produces oil, such as around your baby's ears or eyebrows, on his eyelids, or even in his armpits and other skin creases. In the diaper area, seborrheic dermatitis may be mistaken for diaper rash.

Cradle cap is harmless and not contagious. It probably doesn't bother your baby at all, although if it gets severe it might itch.

NOTE: Babycenter is looking to include more images of black and brown skin. If you're willing to share photos of your child's skin condition, please send them to bc_editor@babycenter.com with Brown Skin Matters in the subject line.

How long does it take for cradle cap to go away?

Cradle cap usually clears up on its own by 6 to 12 months of age - although some children have it for longer, even into grade school.

What causes cradle cap?

The cause is unknown. But we do know that cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene or allergies.

Some experts believe that the hormones a baby receives from his mother at the end of pregnancy overstimulate the baby's oil-producing (seborrheic) glands, resulting in cradle cap. Irritation from a yeast that grows in the sebum (the substance produced by the glands) is also thought to be a possible culprit. But there's no consensus on the cause.

What's the best way to get rid of cradle cap?

You don't really need to do anything, but you can try:

Gently massage your baby's (wet or dry) scalp with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the scales. Take it easy, though. You don't want to irritate the scalp, which could lead to bleeding or infection.

Shampoo more frequently (up to once a day), but be sure to rinse out all the soap or shampoo. After shampooing, gently brush your baby's scalp with a soft brush (a new, soft toothbrush works well) or a terrycloth towel.

Consider using a baby shampoo developed especially for cradle cap.

Caution: Don't use any over-the-counter creams, ointments, or dandruff shampoos without a doctor's approval. Some active ingredients can be absorbed through the skin, and the concentration can be too strong for a baby.

Can I use natural oils to treat my baby's cradle cap?

If your baby has a stubborn case of cradle cap, an oil remedy might help to loosen dry flakes. There's no scientific support for this method, but parents have reported success.

Rub a small amount of a pure, natural oil - such as coconut oil - on your baby's scalp. Be especially gentle around your baby's soft spot, if she still has one. (You can use petroleum jelly instead of oil, if you prefer.)

Leave the oil on for 15 minutes or longer.

Gently remove the flakes with a fine-tooth comb, or brush them off with a soft brush.

Wash your baby's scalp, gently massaging it with a mild baby shampoo to thoroughly loosen the scales and remove the oil. (Oil left on your baby's scalp could clog the pores and cause flakes to stick.)

Is there any way to prevent cradle cap?

No. You can't prevent cradle cap, but washing your baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo every few days and brushing his scalp with a soft brush might help keep cradle cap from coming back once it's under control.

Should I take my baby to the doctor if she has cradle cap?

Talk with your baby's doctor if:

The cradle cap is severe or worsening.

There is any bleeding.

It spreads beyond your baby's scalp.

The rash is causing your baby to lose hair.

There are any signs of infection, such as redness, oozing, fever, or skin that's warm to the touch.

Your baby develops other symptoms, like a diaper rash or signs of thrush. These may be caused by a yeast infection.

The doctor may recommend a cortisone cream if the scalp is inflamed, or a dandruff or antifungal shampoo for a severe case of cradle cap. (Be extra careful because the shampoo can irritate your baby's eyes.)

What else might cause dry, scaly patches on my baby's scalp?

Cradle cap is sometimes confused with eczema (atopic dermatitis). Eczema often shows up in babies as dry, scaly patches on the cheeks and scalp, but it can spread to other parts of the body too. Unlike most cradle cap, eczema is very itchy.
Learn more Visual guide to rashes and skin conditions Why does my baby have dry skin? Hair loss in babies Hispanic babies: Hair care African American babies: Hair care

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Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) | BabyCenter

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Cradle cap is an inflammatory skin condition that typically appears on a baby's scalp. The medical name for it is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It shows up in roughly 10 percent of babies, most often between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 months.

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Find out what causes nappy rash and how you can treat it yourself and prevent it from coming back.

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Find out more about jaundice, a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

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by , Senior midwife and team leader

iStock.com / monkeybusinessimages

In this article

What is bonding?

Bonding is the feeling that makes you want to shower your baby with love, when you know you would do anything to protect them.

And while you're savouring the high, the feel-good hormone dopamine that's coursing through your body is also helping your baby to attach emotionally to you.

You probably started to bond with your baby while they were in your tummy. This love-before-sight may have begun when you first felt their movements or hiccups.

Or bonding may have started when you saw your baby at your ultrasound scans, getting bigger every time. Or you may have felt the love grow as you massaged or talked to your bump.

Will I bond with my baby straight after birth?

You may do, but try not to worry if you don't. Some, but not all, parents feel a deep attachment to their baby straight after the birth (Farrell and Sittlington 2009). The hormone oxytocin, which is released during pregnancy and in greater amounts during labour, helps to create a feeling of euphoria and love for your newborn (Galbally et al 2011). You may feel an overwhelming urge to protect your baby from the first moment you see them.

For other parents, strong feelings of attachment take a little longer to develop. You may simply feel too tired after your baby's birth to bond with them straight away. Or perhaps you had a long labour, or a difficult birth (Farrell and Sittlington 2009), and this has affected your feelings.

Your baby may have been born with a health problem, which may make you feel worried or distressed. Or perhaps you feel disappointed about your baby's sex (Farrell and Sittlington 2009). These feelings are understandable and entirely normal.

If you have twins, you may find bonding with both your babies a challenge at first. It may be that one baby needs to be cared for in the neonatal unit (NNU) while your other baby stays with you on the postnatal ward.

If that's the case, your midwife will encourage you to visit the NNU as often as possible to help the bonding process along (Davies 2009).

If you can't be physically close to your baby, your midwife may give you pictures of them. Looking at pictures of your new baby can help you to bond with them. Just seeing an image of your baby may also help you to express milk for them while they are being cared for in the NNU.

Can I do anything to help the bonding process at birth?

Try to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as you can. Skin-to-skin is when your baby is placed on your chest as soon as you're ready to hold them. Your newborn bonds through touch and smell, and their senses are tuned in to respond to your unique smell and the feel of your bare skin.

Your midwife may also encourage you to breastfeed your baby soon after you have given birth (Farrell and Sittlington 2009, Moore et al 2007, NCCWCH 2007: 188) to help you both bond.

You may not be able to hold your baby straight after they are born. This may be because you've had a caesarean, or if your baby needs special care. Try not to worry, as you haven't missed a crucial chance to bond. Your midwife should help you to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as it's possible to do so (NHS 2012).

If your baby is premature, they can have skin-to-skin contact when they are strong enough. Skin-to-skin contact for premature babies, also called kangaroo care, will comfort your baby and encourage their development. It will also help you to bond with each other (Conde-Agudelo et al 2011).

What else can I do to build our bond?

Rest assured that your attachment will develop gradually through everyday caring for your baby, when you:
Even when you're not holding your baby, try to keep your little one close to you, so they can see you. Have them nearby in their Moses basket or carrycot during the day. Keep your baby in your room at night for their first six months, so you can tend to them quickly and easily when they need you (Jaafar 2012).

Responding to your baby promptly when they're upset, as well as when they're happy, helps to build these strong bonds of trust. This love, attention and affection will help them to thrive (Reyna and Pickler 2009).

Interacting with your baby as you care for them doesn't just help you to bond, and them to flourish. It also helps your baby's brain to grow and develop (DH 2009: 25).

Baby massage may help along the bonding process (Underdown et al 2013). As you massage your baby, it will come naturally to you to chat to them and make eye contact with them. You'll also learn to read your baby's cues as you massage them. You could ask your midwife or health visitor whether there are any baby massage classes in your area. Your local children's centre should also be able to help you find a class.

You may not have to do anything specific to develop an attachment to your baby. It may simply be the first time you see their smile that you realise you're completely and utterly filled with joy and love for them.

What if I don't bond with my baby straight away?

Try not to worry. You're certainly not alone, as many mums aren't ready to bond with their baby immediately. You may feel guilty about not feeling an incredible attachment to your new baby immediately (Farrell and Sittlington 2009). But bonding is an individual experience that develops at its own pace. It may take days, weeks or months for the bond between you and your baby to develop fully (Farrell and Sittlington 2009).

Your baby may be cute and cuddly, but they're also an entirely new person, one you may have to get to know before you become truly close.

Skin-to-skin contact with your baby, by both you and your baby's dad, will help you all to strengthen your attachment to each other.

Be reassured that as you get to know your baby and learn how to soothe them and enjoy their presence, your feelings of attachment will deepen.

When should I worry?

It may be that, after a few weeks, you don't feel more attached to your baby than you did on the day they were born. You may even feel detached from them and resentful, or hostile towards them, or blame them for the way you feel. It could be that you are exhausted and need some extra support.

If that's the case, talk to your doctor or health visitor as soon as you can (MIND 2013, CKS 2013, RCP 2014). Try not to worry about sharing your deepest feelings, even if you feel bad about them. Your doctor and health visitor are used to hearing about new parents' worries and fears. It's important that you're honest so you can get the help you and your baby need.

Postnatal depression (PND) is more than the baby blues. PND can delay bonding and make it harder for you to respond quickly and sensitively to your baby's needs (Field 2010, CKS 2013).

It's important that you seek help as soon as you notice the symptoms of PND. But rest assured that it is both common and treatable. Your doctor will be able to offer you the support and treatment that you need to help you recover and develop a lasting bond with your baby.

Will her dad bond easily with her?

Your baby's dad is likely to experience his own feelings of attachment if he:
It's thought that dads also experience hormonal changes before the baby is born, and these changes may prepare them for fatherhood (Berg 2001). Some maternity units encourage dads to experience skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after their baby is born.

Seeing your baby's first smile, trying baby massage and early play may help their dad to form and strengthen attachments with his newborn. Though for some dads, the bonding process does take a bit longer.

Check out our top tips to help dads bond with their baby.

References

Berg S, Wynne-Edwards KE. 2001. Study finds changes in hormone levels in men who become fathers. www.sciencedaily.com [Accessed August 2014]

Conde-Agudelo A, Belizán JM, Diaz-Rossello J. 2011. Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (3). Art. No.: CD002771

CKS. 2013. Depression: antenatal and postnatal: Clinical topic. prodigy.clarity.co.uk [Accessed August 2014]

Davies M. 2009. Multiple pregnancy. In: Fraser DM, Cooper MA. eds. Myles Textbook for Midwives. 15th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 447

DH. 2009. Getting to know your baby. In: Birth to five. London: Department of Health. www.publichealth.hscni.net [pdf file, accessed August 2014]

Farrell P, Sittlington N. 2009. The baby at birth. In Fraser DM, Cooper MA. eds. Myles textbook for midwives. 15th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 745-761

Field T. 2010. Postpartum depression effects on early interactions, parenting and safety practices: A review. Infant Beh Dev 33(1):1-6

Galbally M, Lewis AJ, Ijzendoorn M, et al. 2011. The role of oxytocin in mother-infant relations: a systematic review of human studies. Harv Rev Psychiatry. Jan-Feb;19(1):1-14

Jaafar SH, Lee KS, Ho JJ. 2012. Separate care for new mother and infant versus rooming-in for increasing the duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;9:CD006641. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed August 2014]

MIND. 2013. Understanding postnatal depression. National Association for Mental Health. www.mind.org.uk [Accessed August 2014]

Moore ER, Anderson GC, Bergman N. 2007. Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003519.

NCCWCH. 2007. Intrapartum care: Care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth. National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health. Clinical Guideline. London: NICE www.nice.org.uk [pdf file, accessed August 2014]

NHS Choices. 2012. Breastfeeding: skin-to-skin contact: Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed August 2014]

RCP. 2014. Postnatal Depression The Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk [Accessed August 2014]

Reyner BA, Pickler RH. 2009. Mother-infant synchrony. J Obstet Neonatal Nurs 38(4):470-7

St James-Roberts. 2008. Infant crying and sleeping: helping parents to prevent and manage problems. Primary Care 35(3):547-67

Underdown A, Barlow J, Chung V, et al. 2013. Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD005038; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed August 2014]

Helen Brooks is studio manager for Gravity Global, a B2B marketing agency. She was content editor for BabyCentre for more than two years.

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Discover everything you need to know about how you and your partner will bond with your newborn - BabyCentre UK

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Mums: bonding with and getting to know your baby | Life as a parent articles & support | NCT

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Mums often expect an instant bond with their babies. Dr Susan Pawlby and Dr Lucy Findlay explain why bonding can take time and suggest some helpful tips.

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As a new parent, you're bound to have questions on everything from getting started with breastfeeding to washing and bathing your baby and changing their nappy.
Here's a quick guide to everything you need to know about caring for your new baby during those exhausting but wonderful early weeks.

Getting to know your new baby

How do we look after our baby's umbilical cord? How much can our baby see? Why are their genitals swollen?

Newborn babies do not come with an instruction manual, and you're bound to have lots of questions about their behaviour and appearance to begin with.

You'll find some of the answers you need in getting to know your newborn.

Breastfeeding your new baby

In the beginning it can seem like you're baby is constantly feeding, but gradually you and your baby will get into a pattern and the amount of milk you produce will settle.

Feed your baby as often as they want. This is called baby-led feeding. Let your baby decide when they have had enough.

Find out more about:
Breastfeeding: the first few days Soothing sore or cracked nipples How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

Washing and bathing your new baby

You do not need to bathe your baby in the first few days. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully instead. This is sometimes called topping and tailing.

Choose a time when your baby is awake and content. Make sure the room is warm and get everything ready beforehand.

You'll need a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and, if necessary, clean clothes.
Find out how to top and tail or bathe your new baby

How to change your baby's nappy

Babies need frequent nappy changes. Do not leave them in a wet or dirty nappy for too long because their wee and the bacteria in their poo may make their skin sore and lead to nappy rash.

Find out more about:

Changing your baby's nappy
How to prevent nappy rash

Soothing a crying baby

Crying is your baby's way of telling you they need comfort and care. But it's not always easy to work out what they want.
Find out why your baby may be crying and how to soothe them

Helping your baby sleep

It's normal for new babies to only sleep for 2 to 3 hours at a time through the night, as well as during the day.

One reason is that newborn babies are not tuned into day and night yet.

Babies also grow quickly in the early months and they have very small stomachs. This means they need to feed little and often.

As your baby grows, they'll gradually start to need fewer night feeds and will sleep for longer at night.
Find out how to get your baby into healthy sleep habits

How to tell if your baby is seriously ill

It can be difficult to tell when a baby is seriously ill. Above all, it's important to trust your instincts.

You know your baby better than anyone else, so you'll know if their appearance or behaviour is worrying.

See does your child have a serious illness? for a checklist of "red alert" symptoms that should always be treated as serious.

Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is rare, so do not let worrying about it stop you enjoying your baby's first few months.

Putting your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in the same room as you, for the first 6 months is one way to reduce your baby's risk even further.

Not smoking during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and not letting anyone else smoke in the same room as your baby, will also help protect them.
Get some more tips on reducing the risk of SIDS

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As a new parent, you're bound to have questions on everything from getting started with breastfeeding to washing and bathing your baby and changing their nappy. Here's a quick guide to everything you need to know about caring for your new baby during those exhausting but wonderful early weeks.

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How much formula does my baby need?

Newborn babies need quite small amounts of formula to start with. The amount will vary from baby to baby.

Although most babies settle into a feeding pattern eventually, they vary in how often they want to feed and how much they want to drink.

Feed your baby when they show signs that they want it. Babies tend to feed little and often, so they may not finish their bottle. Having a big feed does not mean your baby will go longer between feeds.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough formula?

Your baby's weight gain and the number of wet and dirty nappies will tell you whether your baby is getting enough formula.

Your baby should have around 6 wet nappies a day from a few days after the birth. Nappies should be wet with clear or pale yellow urine, or feel heavy.

For the first day or two after birth, your baby will pass a dark, sticky substance known as meconium. Within the first week your baby should start to pass pale yellow or yellowish brown poo. They should be having at least 1 poo a day.

Your baby will usually be weighed at birth and again in the first week. After that, healthy babies only need to be weighed at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and again at 1 year.

This information should be entered on a chart in your personal child health record (PCHR) or "red book".

Read more about the personal child health record (red book) in Your baby's health and development reviews.

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby's weight gain, speak to a midwife or health visitor.

How will I know if my formula-fed baby is hungry?

After a while, you'll get to know the signs that show your baby is ready to feed.

For example, your baby may:

start to get restless

begin to turn their head and open their mouth (rooting)

find something to suck - usually their fist or fingers

Try to feed your baby before they cry, as this is a late sign of hunger.

What do I need if I'm formula feeding away from home?

If you need to feed your baby away from home, take with you:

a measured amount of formula powder in a small, clean and dry container

a vacuum flask of hot water that's just been boiled

an empty sterilised feeding bottle with cap and retaining ring in place

The vacuum flask does not need to be sterilised, but it should be clean, and only used for your baby. The boiling water should kill any bacteria present in the flask. If the flask is full and sealed, the water will stay above 70C for several hours.

Make up a fresh feed only when your baby needs it. The water must still be hot when you use it, to destroy any bacteria in the formula powder.

Remember to cool the bottle (with the lid on) under cold running water before you feed it to your baby.
Read more about how to make up baby formula
Alternatively, you could use a carton of ready-to-feed liquid formula when you're away from home.

What if I need to transport a made-up feed?

If it's not possible to follow the advice for formula feeding away from home, you should use a carton of ready-to-feed liquid formula.

But if you still need to transport a feed (for example, to a nursery), prepare the feed at home, cool under a running tap or in a bowl of cold water, and put it in the fridge to cool.

Make sure the feed is cold. Take it out of the fridge just before you leave and carry it in a cool bag with an ice pack, and use it within 4 hours. If you do not have an ice pack, or access to a fridge, the made-up infant formula must be used within 2 hours.

If the formula that you made up at home is stored:

in a fridge - use within 24 hours

in a cool bag with an ice pack - use within 4 hours

at room temperature - use within 2 hours

Can I use bottled water to make up infant formula?

Bottled water is not recommended for making up infant formula feeds for your baby. This is because it's not usually sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate.

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Information and advice on formula feeding, including how much formula to give your baby, how many wet nappies they should have and how to handle feeds away from home.

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Skip to main content

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life

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

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

Sign up now for our pregnancy, baby and toddler guide

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

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

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The Breastfeeding Companion is privately owned and is completely free. What's more, we don't make any money for the services we provide. Everything is self-funded.

And we're more than just providing breastfeeding tips - everything is research based and supported by Jackie Hall, IBCLC, who has dedicated over a decade of her life in support of tens of thousands of women.

There are approximately 6 million babies born in countries across the world, where English is the primary language. Whilst it's our long term desire to have our website translated into many languages (costs forbid this at the moment), we would certainly love to help those women amongst the six million, that choose to breastfeed - we know many of them will have problems.

How can you help? Simple - tell someone about this site.

Tell your midwife, tell your NCT class members, tell your health visitor, tell your friends in your support group. Share us on social media - all it takes is a click (see buttons below!)

Your continued support means the world to us. We appreciate every email we get, every like on Facebook, every re-tweet, and do drop us a line if you have the time.

Lastly, if you want to tell us about your experience with breastfeeding, as an encouragement to other mothers, we'd love you to share your story with us - and we'll share it on this page and on our social media channels.

We all need encouragement, and many women have gone from struggles to success - let's shout about it!

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Breastfeeding Tips - The Breastfeeding Companion

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The Breastfeeding Companion is privately owned and is completely free. What's more, we don't make any money for the services we provide. Everything is self-funded. And we're more than just providing breastfeeding tips - everything is research based and supported by Jackie Hall, IBCLC, who has dedicated over a decade of her life in support of tens of thousands of women.

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Safer sleep for babies: smoking and e cigarettes