What happens in your baby’s first years has a big impact on their future health.
Mum’s milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs for around the first six months of life and continues to be important beyond that. Your milk helps protect your baby from infections and diseases, and as a mum, it also lowers your risk of developing certain illnesses later in life.
Breastfeeding also helps strengthen the physical and emotional bond between you and your baby.
Infant formula is made from cows’ milk and other ingredients but does not contain the protective components that help shield your baby from infections and diseases. Only your body can provide these.
Benefits of breastfeeding and frequently asked questions
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around the first six months. After that, giving your baby breast milk alongside other foods will support their growth and development and provide continued protection from illness.
Baby feeding cues
When your baby is hungry they may:
- get restless
- suck their fist or fingers
- make murmuring sounds
- turn their head and open their mouth, rooting
It’s best to try and feed your baby during the early feeding cues, as a crying baby can be more difficult to feed. For more information see breastfeeding the first few days (opens in new window).
Common breastfeeding worries and problems
Many mums worry that their babies aren’t getting enough milk. However, there are signs that breastfeeding is going well, which can help reassure parents. If you have any concerns, you can discuss them with your health visiting team, who can offer support at home.
Expressing and storing breast milk
You might want to express your breast milk to feed your baby, boost your milk supply, or help with blocked ducts or mastitis. Hand expressing involves using your hands to remove milk from your breasts. It is a useful technique for all breastfeeding mothers, even if you already have a breast pump.
For more information, please see:
- breastfeeding tips for parents (opens in new window)
- hand expression demonstration video (opens in new window)
In Doncaster, the health visiting service offers a short-term breast pump loan scheme to support parents in continuing to breastfeed for as long as they planned. For more information about the breast pump loan scheme and to check if you are eligible for a referral, please call 0300 021 8997 or speak to your health visitor.
What’s in a breastfeed
If you are wondering what a breastfeed looks like, take a look at our informational video titled what a breastfeed looks like (opens in new window).
Introducing formula milk
Most infant formula is made from modified cow’s milk. There are many different types of formula to choose from, and they can be purchased in either ready-to-feed liquid or powdered form. Powdered formula needs to be made up with water that has been boiled.
When your baby cries during feeds or has colic
If your baby cries excessively with no signs of illness or condition, they may have colic. This is usually temporary, but it can be tiring and difficult to cope with. During this time, you may find support helpful. The health visiting service can provide advice and support. Infant massage may also help reduce the symptoms of colic.
Breastfeeding support
Doncaster
Doncaster health visiting offers a range of support, including advice on positioning, attachment, hand expressing, and helping you and your family continue breastfeeding for as long as planned.
If problems arise, your health visitor can refer you to the Doncaster Specialist Breastfeeding team for further support.
Breast start groups
Doncaster’s breast start groups and first friends groups offer mums and mums-to-be a strong support network in a relaxed, friendly environment. They promote breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby. Health professionals and trained peer supporters provide practical advice, reassurance, and support on breastfeeding. These groups are open to all mums who would like additional support with breastfeeding.
North Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire health visiting provides support to help you with breastfeeding, including advice on positioning, attachment, and hand expressing. The team is there to assist you and your family in continuing to breastfeed for as long as you plan to.
If you need additional support, your health visitor can refer you to the Baby Feeding team for more guidance and advice.
Baby Feeding team breastfeeding support group
The Baby Feeding team in North Lincolnshire runs groups that offer mums and mums-to-be a strong support network in a relaxed and friendly environment. These groups promote breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby and provide practical advice, reassurance, and support from health professionals and trained peer supporters.
All mums who would like extra support with breastfeeding are welcome to attend.
Helpful breastfeeding contact numbers
- Doncaster breastfeeding helpline: 0300 021 8997
- National breastfeeding helpline: 0300 021 8997
- Breastfeeding Network (BFN) supporter line: 0300 100 0210
- La Leche League breastfeeding helpline: 0845 120 2918
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT) breastfeeding helpline: 0300 330 0771
Page last reviewed: February 06, 2025
Next review due: February 06, 2026
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