Early Parenting
Congratulations! Your baby has arrived, now parenting begins
Every baby is different and the recovery from each birth is different.
So always trust your instincts. Speak to a midwife or GP if you are worried. Call NHS 111 24 hours a day, or call 999 if it is urgent.
Use these pages to find out more information about your recovery after birth, feeding and caring for your baby and what is normal for your baby.
Let's Talk About
Mum's Wellbeing
Your body experiences many changes after you have had a baby and it can take anything from 6 weeks to a year to feel like your pre-pregnancy self.
Always be aware of what changes are normal, and when you might need to seek help from a doctor, midwife or physiotherapist.
Baby's Wellbeing
When a baby is born it is the first time their skin has been exposed to air, the first time they have had milk in their digestive system and the first time they have used their lungs to breathe. So it takes a week or two for them to adapt.
There are some common things you will see that are part of the normal process of adapting to life
outside the uterus. However, babies communicate if they are unwell in different ways to children and adults, so it is important to know when to seek medical help. We always advise you to trust your instincts and call your midwife, doctor or 111 / 999 if you are worried.
Feeding Your Baby
Many babies will instinctively root for the breast when they are born, and in the UK around 81% of babies will have breastmilk for their first feed.
However you choose to feed your baby, you can access lots of information and support from your midwife. Raham Project midwives understand that there are many things influencing your choice, from family and cultural expectations, to previous experiences and the support available today.
National Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 100 0212 (9.30am – 9.30pm every day of the year) in
English, Welsh and Polish
Breastfeeding Network – Helpline for Bengali / Sylheti speakers 0300 456 2421 (9.30am – 9.30pm
every day of the year – please leave a message if a volunteer is not available)
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers –
0300 330 5453
Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service – druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
https://lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/
Lactation consultants provide specialist support with breastfeeding, and must be registered with
the IBCLC.
Some lactation consultants work in the NHS and many run free drop in sessions and offer private clinics/support in your home.
Simple evidence-based information about the infant milks available in the UK and how to make up milks safely.
We recommend this website to anyone who is or plans to formula feed their baby.
UK Association for Milk Banking
Donated breastmilk from the country’s network of milk banks helps to save the lives of premature and sick babies
Practical information about feeding choices if you have twins, triplets or more.
