Before your baby is born
It's good to find out as much as you can about feeding before you have your baby
On this page
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 with more details on Breastfeeding: the first few days. NHS.UK also has 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.
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.
NHS.UK has a page with more details on the benefits of breastfeeding.
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 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 catching 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.