Feeding your baby
Breastfeeding
If you would like to find out more about breastfeeding your baby we offer antenatal breastfeeding workshops which can be booked via our maternity and parent information| service.
Breastfeeding Babes service
If you are a breastfeeding mum who would like help or advice regarding breastfeeding and you have had your maternity care with Southampton midwives, you are welcome to attend Breastfeeding Babes.
This service is led by a lactation consultant and an experienced team of breastfeeding supporters. It is held on Broadlands Ward, Level E, Princess Anne Hospital|.
You can drop in Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm. No appointment is required.
For more information call 07786 267584.
Romsey Bosom Pals
Bosom Pals offers breastfeeding support, antenatal and postnatal care and help and advice for mums when babies reach the weaning stage.
The group runs on a weekly basis on Thursdays from 9.30 to 11.30am at the Romsey Baptist Church on Bell Street. There is no need to book, mums are welcome to just turn up.
The group is run by a qualified midwife and midwifery care assistant who provide a friendly, social place to meet, chat and get information and support if you require it. You don’t need to have a problem to come to group. Although most people attending the group are mothers, mum-to-be’s are welcome too. Sessions are free but a small donation to cover refreshments is appreciated.
Further support with breastfeeding
You will be given a breastfeeding diary when you have given birth. However, if you would like to view orprint your own diary to bring with you or print additional pages once at home please download the breastfeeding diary| (PDF).
If you would like to attend a weekly breastfeeding support group nearer to your home or use a telephone helpline for support please refer to Help and support with breastfeeding| (PDF).
The Breastfeeding guide (NHS)| offers lots of tips and up to date information, and you can also view the Bump to Breastfeeding DVD| and read further information in Off to the Best Start| and chapter one of Birth to Five|. You can also read about other parents breastfeeding experiences|.
Tongue-tie
If you would like advice regarding your baby’s tongue-tie and you are a breastfeeding mum who has been cared for by Southampton midwives, please contact Breastfeeding Babes on 07786 267584, leaving your name and contact details.
We will give you an appointment time for your baby’s feeding to be reviewed before a decision is made about whether a tongue-tie division procedure| will be required.
Formula feeding
If you plan to formula feed your baby, please look at the Guide to Bottlefeeding| and Birth to Five| which will give you information on how to prepare a feed and sterilize equipment to minimise risks to your baby's health.
Parents can find information on both bottlefeeding and breastfeeding from Baby friendly care pathways (UNICEF)|.
Oxford hospitals have produced a helpful Video: guide to bottle feeding| based on the Department of Health guidance.