Due to the current emergency situation with Coronavirus we have had to take the step to limit access to our milk kitchens. We hope this will help to keep you and your baby safe whilst in hospital. Unfortunately this means we do not have facilities available for powdered formula milk to be made up.
Please where possible bring in single use bottles of ready-made formula with single use teats.
We do have a limited number of sterilisers that can be set up next to your bed during your stay should you need to bring in larger bottles of ready-made formula and your own bottles. If you do need to do this, please ensure you bring in a bottle brush and washing up liquid so you are able to wash your bottles correctly. Staff have access to a milk fridge where excess ready-made formula can be stored.
Before you are discharged home staff will be able to discuss with you how to safely prepare powdered formula milk in your own home. Please don’t hesitate to ask staff if you have any questions regarding bottlefeeding before you go home.
Responsive Bottlefeeding
Responsive bottlefeeding involves feeding baby in a way that helps them feel safe and secure. Ideally in the first few weeks limit the number of people feeding your baby as too many people feeding will stress him out as everyone has their own and slightly different way of doing it. The time spent feeding your baby is an ideal opportunity for bonding and building a relationship with your baby.
Start by recognising your baby’s feeding cues and try to feed him before he starts crying. When you are feeding, hold him close gently inviting him to take the teat in to his mouth. Allow your baby to pace the feeds and don’t make him finish the bottle if he doesn’t want to. Baby will give you signs such as turning away, splaying hands or spitting out milk when he has had enough.
Links
Guide to bottle-feeding
Responsive Bottle-feeding and Infant Formula
First Steps Nutrition Trust – for unbiased evidence based information about formula milks.
