Breastfeeding and Return to Work

Benefits of breastfeeding

“Your breastmilk is the only food specifically designed for your baby. As well as having all the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop, human milk has irreplicable components such as antibodies, hormones and stem cells to help protect your baby now and in the future.

The World Health Organisation recommends that babies are fed breastmilk alone for the first six months of life, and then after solids are introduced that breastfeeding continues for two years or longer. Any breastmilk you can give your baby will greatly benefit both you and your baby’s health and wellbeing – every drop counts! Breastmilk continues to protect and support both you and your baby even after you have stopped breastfeeding.”

Maternity staff will give you an opportunity to discuss the benefits and management of breastfeeding before your baby is born. Useful conversations for all parents include:

skin to skin contact following the birth and in the early weeks – this contact is important for bonding, optimal brain development and getting breastfeeding off to a good start
keeping you and your baby close (rooming in)
practical skills and knowledge needed to successfully breastfeed your baby – see the Public Health Agency’s book Off to a good start

If your baby is in the Neonatal Unit the benefits of breast milk can be even more important. You will be shown how to express milk by hand and then with a breast pump.

Download further information on expressing breast milk

Feeding Your Baby

Expressing Breast Milk

If your baby has been born early, very small, very ill, or with other medical problems, you may be asked to consider expressing your breast milk.

You will start by hand expressing your colostrum (first milk) within two hours of giving birth. After a few days, you will progress to using a hospital-grade breast pump. Midwives and neonatal staff will teach you how to hand express and use a breast pump.

Breast pumps are available on postnatal wards and in the neonatal unit. The Maternity Hospital also has a small number of pumps available to borrow and take home. Breast pumps can be loaned from the charity TinyLife for a small fee.

You will need to express 8 to 10 times in 24 hours to establish your milk supply, including at night. This is sometimes difficult when you are tired, but it is really important as the milk producing hormone prolactin is at its highest level at night.

Don’t worry if you only get a few drops to begin with. Every drop is precious and your milk supply will increase with time. Help and advice is available if you experience any problems.
Breastfeeding Mothers Groups
Breastfeeding mothers groups are available across Northern Ireland. They are usually organised by health professionals such as community midwives and health visitors.

These groups promote breastfeeding by providing support and information to mothers. Breastfeeding mums get an opportunity to share experiences and help each other.

You are welcome to attend a breastfeeding mothers group at any time before or after your baby is born. Details are available from:
- your community midwife
- this leaflet for breast feeding mothers
- Breastfed Babies website developed by the Public Health Agency
Specialist Breastfeeding Support

If you are having concerns about breastfeeding at any stage, our midwives and health visitors are here to help.

If the midwife or health visitor believes specialist help is needed, they can refer you.

Download further information on specialist breastfeeding support.
Formula Feeding
If you are using formula to feed your baby, our staff will support you safely and responsively.

Choosing formula can be very confusing, but it’s important that a baby starts on first milk that is suitable for the whole first year of life.

You can download:
Useful Resources