Early Days
liquid formula milk, in a carton. There are other special formula milks, intended for non-breastfed babies who can’t have any other formula milk because of health problems, e.g. congenital lactose intolerance. Special formula milks (e.g. hypoallergenic formulas) are expensive and, in the UK, they can usually be obtained only on prescription. For more information about formula milk on sale in the UK visit First Steps Nutrition Trust.
Q: Why don’t you show parents in antenatal sessions how to make up a bottle and how to give it?
This information is available in NCT information sheets and on our website for parents who need it. There is a risk that presenting this information to a group, as if every baby will need formula milk, may undermine the decisions of parents who plan to breastfeed; this is in line with the World Health Organisation International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. A breastfeeding counsellor or antenatal teacher will provide information on a one-to-one basis for any mother who is planning to use formula milk from the outset.
Q: When is the right time to do x, y or z*
*Insert the question of your choice.
For anyone who has attended one of my antenatal sessions, you may have been slightly frustrated if you had asked this question. The answer will always be “it depends”. It depends upon you, your baby, and the situation. Although before you have a baby it is difficult to believe, YOU will be the expert of your baby, you will be best placed to decide when the right time is for whatever you’re thinking of doing. As a breastfeeding counsellor, I’ll be very happy to work with you to explore the options to this and any other questions you might have, but if I had a magic answer for these questions I’d be living off my book royalties somewhere exotic.
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their child. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk.
Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.
Clapham NCT runs a weekly Breastfeeding Cafe. Why not pop along for any help or advice you need about feeding? It takes place every Monday 10am-12noon at the The Grove Pub, 39 Oldridge Road, SW12 8PN.
We invite all parents to drop-in for free baby feeding support and information from our qualified NCT breastfeeding counsellors. Please try to arrive by 11.30am.
Donations can be made at the cafe or via our branch justgiving page - search for Clapham NCT.
photo originally on www.nct.org.uk