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Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding your baby

Lots of skin to skin contact and offering the breast freely, is perfect to get breastfeeding started & helps bonding with your baby. Breastfeeding is a new skill for both you and your baby to learn. Some mums and babies get the hang of breastfeeding straight away. However, some may take a little more time and practice.
In Barnsley we have lots of support available from:
• Midwives
• Health Visitors
• Infant Feeding Team
• Infant Feeding Peer Supporters
• Infant Feeding Clinical Lead

Benefits of breastfeeding

As a parent or carer, how you choose to feed your baby is completely your choice. However, it's important to know that breastmilk provides an ideal start for newborns. It's uniquely designed for each baby and is packed with nutrients and antibodies that help protect their health, not just as infants but throughout their life. If more families in the UK breastfed, we could reduce common childhood illnesses and potentially save the NHS around £50 million each year (UNICEF).

The first milk your body produces is called colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold.” This thick, nutrient-rich milk is full of essential goodness for your newborn.

Another important step you can take is skin-to-skin contact right after birth. Holding your baby close against your bare skin not only helps with bonding but also promotes milk production and helps regulate your baby's temperature and breathing. Plus, this is a wonderful way for partners to connect and bond with the baby too.


Breastfeeding in Barnsley – Anytime, Anywhere

As a breastfeeding mother, you have the legal right to feed your baby anywhere, thanks to the Equality Act 2010. Despite this, we understand that many women don’t always feel confident breastfeeding in public, and across the country, 8 out of 10 women stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned.

That’s where the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme comes in. This initiative encourages businesses to create comfortable and welcoming spaces for breastfeeding parents. You’ll find breastfeeding-friendly venues in cafes, restaurants, libraries, and shops across Barnsley. Some libraries even have special breastfeeding chairs to help you feel at ease.

To find out where you can comfortably breastfeed, check the list of Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme venues.
Keep an eye out for the logo in shop windows – it’s a sign that the business supports breastfeeding families


This information has been co-produced

This information has been co-produced with the Children's Public Health Team and 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service.

If you have any comments, compliments or queries please contact the 0-19 service at 0-19healthteam@barnsley.gov.uk

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