Preparing to feed your baby

Statement on inclusive language

We use terms such as breast and breastfeeding throughout these pages, for clarity and consistency. However, we recognise that not all individuals identify with this language, and may prefer terms such as chestfeeding or bodyfeeding, and the breastfeeding parent may not identify as a mother or woman.

We respect and support all feeding journeys and encourage you to speak to us about language that best reflects your identity and language preferences.

Please also see the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative statement on inclusivity Inclusivity and language - Baby Friendly Initiative

Preparing to breastfeed

It's good to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding before you have your baby as this may help you feel more confident when you start breastfeeding. But it’s important to note that you do not have to make up your mind until your baby is born.

NHS.UK has a page on Breastfeeding: the first few days as well as a breastfeeding help and support page, which offers a guide on where to find help and support for breastfeeding.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has created a video that explores meeting your baby for the first time, the 9 stages they go through after birth, the importance of skin-to-skin time, and relationship building with your baby.

Antenatal infant feeding workshop

You can attend our antenatal infant feeding workshop from 28 weeks gestation

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This workshop focuses mainly on healthy, term newborn feeding, giving you practical tips, evidence-based guidance, and real-life strategies to help you feel prepared and confident. We will cover topics, including;

• Benefits of breastfeeding
• Getting feeding off to a good start
• How to know feeding is going well
• Responsive feeding
• How to access support

We will also touch on some more complex feeding situations and signpost to further personalised support where needed.

Whether you're a first-time parent or welcoming another baby, this friendly session - led by the Gloucestershire Maternity Specialist Infant Feeding Team - offers expert advice, interactive discussions, and plenty of time for your questions. We’re happy to discuss individual concerns and can direct you to appropriate follow-on support if needed.

While we focus primarily on breastfeeding, we do also discuss expressing breastmilk, alternative feeding methods and welcome any further questions on feeding topics that might not have been expanded on.

Don’t miss this opportunity to build your knowledge and feel supported as you prepare to feed your baby!

The benefits of breastfeeding

Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are:

• your breast milk meets all of your baby’s nutritional needs
• breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
• breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
• breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
• breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby

Formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness and does not give you any health benefits.

Scientific evidence

The CHILD Cohort Study is a long-term scientific research project in Canada that is following 3500 children from when they were babies through to their adolescence.

Hand expressing before your baby is born

Many mothers choose to hand express colostrum before their baby arrives.

Hand expressing colostrum is particularly recommended if you are diabetic, expecting a complicated or pre-term delivery, or if you have to be induced. However, there are some circumstances when antenatal hand expressing is not recommended. Make sure you discuss this with your clinician.

Guidance on how to hand express

Your midwife will be able to explain how to express colostrum and where you can get labels and special syringes for collecting your breastmilk.

• The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers has more information on Expressing your milk before your baby arrives.
• The Breastfeeding Network also has a page on Expressing and storing breastmilk.