The first few days and weeks after the birth are when prolactin receptors are switched on. This means the early days and weeks, are when the body is most responsive to building milk supply. Never share a bed, armchair or sofa with your baby if you have had any alcohol, as this has been strongly linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (NHS, 2019). Effects on milk supply Information about first feeds happening within (ideally) 1-2 hours of birth, and frequently thereafter, applies to expressing too. Hand-expressing is usually suggested for the first couple of days until the milk begins to come in, when mums may choose to start using a breast milk. For a very few women breastfeeding is not possible for medical reasons, but you needn't assume that any medicine you need to take rules out breastfeeding.

Food bank staff and volunteers make a vital contribution but cannot guarantee a timely or consistent supply of infant formula as they rely on donations which may not be suitable. In a statement, a government spokesperson told ITV News: "Food banks are independent organisations and it’s up to individual providers which donations they make available.

I don't know whether I will want to breastfeed

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Try nursing pads. If you're leaking milk, popping disposable nursing pads or milk collection shells inside your bra could help you stay dry. If your leakage is only light to moderate or you have leaking breasts during pregnancy, Ultra thin disposable nursing pads will help you feeling confident in a discreet way. If possible, avoid using a dummy until you and your baby are happy with breastfeeding (usually after your baby is at least 1 month old). Initially for a newborn they can suffer from dehydration, weight loss and jaundice and, ultimately, a drop in blood sugar levels that can cause irreversible brain damage," she said.

What if I don't make enough breast milk?

It is important to know that CQC (Care Quality Commission) cannot make complaints for you or take them up on your behalf. Don’t get complacent. As mentioned earlier, milk supply will ideally increase steadily within the first couple of weeks. Some mum’s will be expressing for a poorly or premature baby who only requires tiny amounts of milk. This means there could be a surplus of milk produced each day. Breastfeeding has always been my passion and I have developed and led the team of maternity assistants to provide support for families at the beginning of their breastfeeding journey. These can be spent on milk and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, or they can be put towards formula milk if you're not breastfeeding. Under data protection laws you have rights in relation to your personal data that include the right to request access, correction, erasure, restriction, transfer, to object to processing, to portability of data and (where the lawful ground of processing is consent) to withdraw consent.