If your baby is born in a Baby Friendly hospital, you can expect a certain standard of care:

• While you are pregnant, you will have a full discussion about caring for and feeding your baby, including the benefits of breastfeeding, so you have all the facts you need to make an informed choice.
• You will be given your baby to hold against your skin straight after they are born, for as long as you want.
• A midwife will offer to help you to start breastfeeding in the first half hour or so after your baby is born.
• Your baby will be kept with you at all times.

If you decide to breastfeed:

• A midwife will show you how to hold your baby and how to help them latch on – this will make sure they get enough milk and that feeding is not painful.
• You will be given accurate and consistent advice about how to breastfeed and how to make enough milk for your baby.
• A midwife will offer to show you how to express your milk by hand.
• Your baby will not be given water or artificial baby milk unless this is needed for a medical reason.
• You will receive information about how to get more support for breastfeeding, should you need it, once you leave hospital.

Of course, staff will support you if you decide that you want to care for your baby differently or if you don’t want the information they offer. And if you decide to bottle feed, they will ask if you want to be taught how to make up a bottle properly and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Baby Friendly health centres and surgeries will provide a similar standard of care:

• Midwives and health visitors will check that your breastfeeding is going well and that you are happy with your baby’s feeding.
• They will also be able to show you how to hold your baby for feeding and how to express your milk.
• You will receive accurate information about breastfeeding if you are separated from your baby (e.g., if you go back to work), as well as about sharing a bed with your baby and the right time to give other foods and drink.
• You will be welcome to breastfeed in all public areas, or can ask for privacy if you prefer.

All staff in Baby Friendly hospitals, health centres and surgeries are trained to give this information and to support you to breastfeed successfully.