Feeding Support

All our midwives and maternity support workers are here to help you get feeding off to a good start. Access guidance and support in a format that works for you during pregnancy, on the postnatal ward and up to the age of two months. 

During your pregnancy

• Chat to your midwife, ask questions in confidence and learn what to expect when breast feeding.
• Join our free virtual Antenatal Breastfeeding Class by logging into your Maternity Parent Portal.
• For specific concerns and circumstances that may impact breast feeding [breast surgery, previous feeding problems] email the infant feeding lead for an appointment rsch.infantfeeding@nhs.net.

When your baby is born

• The first two hours following your birth is protected to allow skin to skin contact.
• Skin to skin contact following birth has many health benefits for you and your baby, it helps them feel safe, supports healthy brain development, as well as colonising their skin with good bacteria.
• Your midwife will guide you with your first skin to skin feed supporting your feeding choices.
• If you have a caesarean birth or need to go to theatre you will be able to have skin-to-skin contact while the operation is being completed, so long as you feel well.

Postnatal ward 

• You will have access to personalised support to feed your baby every 2-3 hours.
• If you need additional support we also have the tranquillity of a dedicated feeding room.
• If you have significant feeding issues, or your baby as not fed in the first 28 hours, you may be additionally seen by the Infant feeding team, a dedicated team of midwives and maternity support workers who support infant feeding issues.

Support you can access once you are at home

• Our feeding support team are based at our maternity hubs so you can access personalised support at your postnatal appointments
• If you suspect your baby is unwell or feeding is not going as expected call our 24-hour urgent triage line Call a Midwife Urgent Triage Line 0300 123 5473
• Call (01483) 571122 ext.4702 Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 and ask to speak to a member of the infant feeding team
• Specialist referral clinics, for complex feeding difficulties (including tongue-tie). Speak to your midwife or infant feeding support worker to book an appointment.
• Postnatal Drop In Clinics throught the week/catchment to provide you with additional support 

Drop in Clinics

Please note there will be no Drop In clinics on:

Monday the 22nd of December

Thursday the 25th of December

Monday the 29th of December 

While the clinics will be running as planned Lactation Consultant Kate will not be in attendance on Monday the 15th or Thursday the 18th of December. 

• Guildford Hive Drop-in clinic for babies up to 28 days, every Monday (excluding Bank holidays) 10:30-12:30 The Hive, Park Barn Drive, GU2 8EN. We’re aware that the car park at The Hive has been particularly busy recently. We kindly ask all visitors to park safely and considerately in the surrounding area. Please do not park on double yellow lines, as this can create safety risks for pedestrians, pushchair users, and other road users. The nearest paid parking is available at Tesco, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from The Hive. Thank you for helping us keep the area safe for everyone. If you are over 28 days and need support please contact your Health Visiting team.

• Bordon Drop-in clinic for babies up to 28 days, every Thursday 14:00-16:00 Maternity Hub, Badgerswood Surgery,  Bordon GU35 8LH. If you are over 28 days and need support please contact your Health Visiting team

Further information

Infant feeding resources by UNICEF UK

First Steps Nutrition Trust provide advice on how to eat well in pregnancy, for your infants and children in their early years