Maternity & Parenting
Attachment Parenting UK support group at
The Apex, 1 Charter Square,
Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1FD
Mondays from 1030am – 12pm
29th April, 13th May, 10th June, 1st July and 5th August 2019
With the Suffolk Mobile Sling Library
This is a free drop-in session for parents, expectant parents, grandparents, carers, babies and toddlers. We meet upstairs in The Apex in the sofa area. Grab a coffee and some cake from the Aspretto Café downstairs and come up to join us for a relaxed morning chatting with other parents or for some friendly support from one of our volunteers.
Support available - local and national
Breastfeeding Support
La Leche League
0345 120 2918 (24 hours)
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
0300 330 5453 (9.30am - 10.30pm)
The Breastfeeding Network
0300 100 0212 (9.30am - 9.30pm)
Sarah Oakley Lactation Consultant
[email protected]
07729 629190
Pregnancy & Parenting Support
Attachment Parenting UK
Gentle Parenting UK - from growing roots to giving wings
Positive Birth Movement UK - global network of free antenatal groups
Natural Mamas
St Edmundsbaby APUK Support Group
(Facebook Page & Group)
Parenting Charities AIMS (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services) Provides invaluable independent, evidence-based information for women and their families.
Best Beginnings
Birth International
Birthrights The UK’s only organisation dedicated to improving women’s experience of pregnancy and childbirth by promoting respect for human rights.
Birth Trauma Association (BTA)
Bliss - for babies born sick or premature
Breech Babies Club
Doula UK This is the site to visit if you are thinking of hiring a birth doula, for support before and during labour and birth, or a postnatal doula, who would be able to provide practical and emotional support in the first weeks of motherhood. The site also includes useful information about birth and pregnancy.
Gingerbread - Single parents, equal families
Homestart - Support and friendship for families
NCT - National Childbirth Trust
Petals - the baby loss counselling charity
Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity
Tommy’s - Funding research, saving babies lives West Suffolk midwifery/health visiting teams West Suffolk MVP - Maternity Voices Partnership (formerly MSLC)
West Suffolk Hospital Maternity Unit
West Suffolk Midwives communication hub 01284 713755 West Suffolk Hospital
Lynne Saunders, head of midwifery: 01284 713270
Marie Moye, inpatients service manager: 01284 712799
Karen Newbury, outpatient service manager: 01284 712995
Antenatal clinic reception: 01284 713254
Maternity day assessment unit: 01284 712723
Labour suite: 01284 713278
Birthing unit: 01284 712758
F11 ward: 01284 713216
Health Visitors
Bury St Edmunds 01284 757700/776080
Newmarket 01638 558640
Mildenhall 01638 583210
Haverhill 01440 766028
Stanton/Thurston 01359 253915
Stowmarket 01449 776040
Community Midwifery Teams
West Suffolk Midwives Communication Hub:
01284 713755
Lark Team: (covering Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages)
Maple House,
24 Hillside Road,
Bury St Edmunds,
IP32 7EA
Castle Hill Team: (covering Thetford)
Healthy Living Centre,
Croxton Road,
Thetford,
IP24 1JD
Forest Heath Team: (covering Newmarket, Brandon and Red Lodge)
Newmarket Hospital,
56 Exning Road,
Newmarket,
CB8 7JG
Gainsborough Team: (covering Sudbury and surrounding villages)
Sudbury Community Health Centre,
Church Field Rd,
Sudbury,
CO10 2DZ
Children’s Centres
Bury Library Children’s Centre
Bury St Edmunds Library,
Sergeants Walk, St Andrews Street North,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1TZ
01284 732266
Carousel Children’s Centre
St Olaves Road,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 6RW
01284 748355
Hardwick Children’s Centre
Steward Road,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2PW
01284 733940
Lark Children’s Centre
Jubilee Centre, Recreation Way,
Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7HG
01638 582820
Bluebells Children’s Centre
Bury Lane, Stanton,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2DE
01359 254282
Foley House Children’s Centre
52 Wellington Street,
Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0HY
01638 565533
Breastfeeding - Frequently Asked Questions
(The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers)
Is breastfeeding good for my baby?
Breastfeeding not only provides food in the most natural form for babies, but also provides comfort, pain relief and the natural nurturing that babies need for development. Breast milk contains everything that a baby needs for growth in the first six months of life in exactly the right amounts and in the best form for his body to use. Breast milk satisfies a baby’s hunger and thirst.
No other foods or drinks are necessary, provided a baby is allowed to feed at the breast whenever he wishes.
Breast milk increases a baby’s resistance to many infections and diseases, and reduces his risk of developing allergies, diabetes and childhood cancers. Breast milk is free, fast and convenient. It is always available, and is fresh, clean and served at the right temperature. There’s no sterilising to worry about, no mixing, heating, refrigerating, and no bottles to take out and about. Babies can be breastfed discreetly anywhere.
Is breastfeeding good for me?
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and helps your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size, so you regain your figure more quickly. Breastfeeding also uses up excess fat stores from pregnancy. Breastfeeding gives you a chance to sit down and relax during a busy day, and so helps you cope with the demands of motherhood. It gives you confidence as you know you are giving your baby the best possible start in life. It can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for you and your baby.
How soon can I breastfeed my baby?
You can usually start breastfeeding immediately after birth. A baby’s suckling instinct is strongest in the first hour after birth, so putting your baby to the breast as soon as possible will get you off to a good start.
How do I put my baby to the breast?
Make yourself comfortable. (For night-time feeding or if you have stitches, lying on your side may be the best option for you.) Your baby should be held close to your body, facing your breast with his head, shoulders and body in a straight line, and your hand supporting his neck so he can move his head to latch on. He should be able to reach the breast easily without having to stretch or twist. You can also breastfeed leaning back at about 45 degrees, supported by cushions.
Hold your baby with his nose opposite your nipple, allowing his head to be able to flex. Brush your nipple against his lips or nose to encourage him to open his mouth and reach for your breast. Wait for the ‘gape’ (his mouth opening like a yawn). Bring him to the breast with his chin touching the breast first, then his bottom lip and tongue near the outer edge of the areola, and bringing his top lip to latch over the nipple as far as possible on to the other side of the areola. Make sure he takes a good mouthful of the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) and not just the nipple itself. He should have more areola in his mouth on the side of his bottom lip than his top lip.
Babies breastfeed — they don’t nipple feed. Allowing your baby to suck on just the nipples will make them extremely sore, and can lead to cracking and bleeding. Remember to always bring your baby to your breast rather than trying to move your breast to your baby.
Tummy to Mummy, Nose to Nipple, and Baby to Breast.
How can I avoid sore nipples?
Some nipple tenderness is common during the first few days due to hormonal changes in your body, but this will soon pass. If it is painful when you first put your baby to the breast, gently insert your clean little finger between your baby’s mouth and your breast to break the suction, and try again. If the discomfort persists, seek help from a breastfeeding counsellor or midwife to check your baby is correctly positioned at your breast. Breast milk is a natural antiseptic — if your nipples are sore, express a little milk after a feed and allow the milk to dry on the nipple. It will help them heal. When your baby is correctly positioned and feeding well, breastfeeding shouldn’t be at all painful — if it is, some adjustments will be required. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A plentiful milk supply is also dependent on correct positioning, so this is an important thing to get right.
How long should I feed my baby for?
Always let your baby determine the length of the feed. Your baby knows when he has had enough, and will take himself off the breast. If you take him from the breast before he is ready, he may not have received as much of your milk as he needs, and he may not gain weight and thrive as he should. Taking your baby off the breast too soon may also reduce the amount of milk you produce.
How often should I feed my baby?
Breastfed babies need to feed frequently. Young babies will generally need at least 8 feeds and may have as many as 12 or more feeds in 24 hours. Your baby may also ‘cluster’ feed, having a few of his breastfeeds close together then the rest spaced out a little more — this is normal. The important thing to remember is that the more often a baby suckles at the breast, the more milk is produced.
At times during the early weeks your baby may appear to be more hungry than usual - he will be “asking” to build up your supply in preparation for a spurt of growing and developing. Occasionally a very placid baby, who regularly sleeps for long stretches, may need to be woken to be fed. Don’t be tempted to make comparisons between how often your baby feeds and a bottle-fed baby’s patterns. Breastfed babies have a totally different pattern of feeding.
How can I increase my milk supply?
If you feel that your supply is low, encourage your baby to feed more often. Put your own and your baby’s needs first. Babies do have ‘growth spurts’ and at these times they will need to feed more often to stimulate milk production. Good positioning at the breast is also important for a good milk supply.
Can I have too much milk?
Colostrum (the ‘first’ milk) begins to change to mature milk during the first week, and this is often referred to as the milk ‘coming in’. Your breasts will be swollen with extra fluids and, initially, you may be making more milk than your baby takes. At this time your breasts may become hard, lumpy and painful. Frequent feeding helps to avoid this, and expressing a little milk before putting the baby to the breast can also help. A warm bath, or warm flannel held to the breast will help the milk to flow easily and make expressing easier.
Will breastfeeding spoil my figure?
No, it’s pregnancy and birth that affect your figure, along with your lifestyle and eating habits. You may find your breasts change in appearance slightly after giving birth whether or not you breastfeed, but breastfeeding may actually help them to remain firmer than they otherwise would. A well-fitting nursing bra will support your breasts, and keep you comfortable during the day. A bra that is too tight can lead to blocked milk ducts and mastitis.
Do I have to eat a special diet?
No, eating a normal, balanced diet will provide your body with all the nutrients necessary to make plenty of milk for your baby’s needs without depleting your own stores of nutrients or energy. Occasionally a baby may take exception to something you have eaten or drunk, but this is unusual. Moderation in all foods is normally all that is required. Drink when you feel thirsty.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
If your newborn baby is feeding whenever he asks to, is gaining weight steadily, has plenty of pale, wet nappies (provided no other fluids are given), has several poos a day (in the first six weeks) and seems contented, then relax — he’s getting enough. He will enjoy the cuddling and the close contact with you, so don’t be afraid of “spoiling” him by breastfeeding frequently.
What about night feeds?
Almost every baby wakes at night needing to be fed. A baby’s tummy cannot hold huge amounts of milk and, as breast milk is very easily digested, your baby will ask to breastfeed often. Night feeds help to boost your milk supply and prevent engorged breasts. Night feeds may continue for some time: there is no set age at which a breastfed baby will give up wanting to feed at night. Each baby is an individual with individual needs.
What if I need more help?
The ABM has volunteer breastfeeding counsellors who give free information and support by phone, in person or via email. For regular breastfeeding information, support and our magazine, join the ABM.
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
Helpline 0300 330 5453
Admin and enquiries: 08444 122948
Email: [email protected]
ABM, PO Box 207, Bridgwater TA6 7YT