Infant feeding webpage
The Team /Contact Information (In patient & Community)
In-Patient Team
ch-tr.maternityinfantfeeding@nhs.net
Community Team
ch-tr.communityinfantfeedingteam@nhs.net
For 24 hour 7 day a week support please contact National Breastfeeding Helpline — 0300 100 0212
Infant Feeding Lead – Sabrina Lewis RN
Infant Feeding Support Workers – In Patient
Emily Attwood
Miriam Crashaw
Tamsyn Latter
Infant Feeding Support Workers – Community
Emma Mould
Sarah Lawlor
Amy Jones
Antenatal Information
How Lactation Works
https://abm.me.uk/how-lactation-works/
Hand Expressing
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/hand-expression-video/
If you have antenatally collected colostrum at home, please bring only a small amount.
Once colostrum is defrosted, it must be used within 24 hours. We have fridges to keep milk chilled, but no freezers at the moment, so we cannot store it frozen.
Breastfeeding Positions
https://breastfeeding.support/breastfeeding-positions-for-newborns/
Feeding Multiples
https://breastfeedingtwinsandtriplets.co.uk/
Useful Links
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/
Global Health Media Videos
breastfeeding.support
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
https://abm.me.uk/
Breast Feeding your baby in in the Hospital
Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization and the NHS because it provides the best nutrition for your baby and supports their healthy development. Research shows that babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of:
Gastrointestinal (tummy) upsets
Chest, urinary, and ear infections
Allergies
Type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and may help protect against osteoporosis in later life.
Support with Breast Feeding Your Baby
Our midwives are here to help you with breastfeeding and answer any questions you may have. If you experience any challenges or need extra support, they can refer you to our dedicated inpatient Infant Feeding Team.
We have medical-grade electric breast pumps available to support parents who choose to express milk. In addition, our team can provide guidance and practical support for hand expression, ensuring parents feel confident and empowered in feeding their baby.
Formula Feeding in Hospital
We will support you if you decide to formula feed your baby.
Please note that the hospital does not provide formula milk, so if you plan to formula feed, you will need to bring your own supply.
Bring ready-to-drink First Infant Milk (not powdered), as we do not have facilities to prepare powdered milk safely.
First Infant Milk-All brands meet the same EU regulations, we do not promote any specific brand.
We will provide sterile cups, bottles, and teats for you to use during your stay.
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/advice/
UNICEF - Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) MATERNITY
The Maternity Department is in the process of working towards BFI Accreditation
Why is obtaining the BFI Accreditation important for Croydon University Hospital?
Achieving UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Accreditation is an important milestone for our Trust because it demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care for mothers, babies, and families. BFI standards are internationally recognised and based on robust evidence that supports optimal infant feeding and parent–infant relationships. Accreditation ensures:
Improved Health Outcomes: Supporting breastfeeding and responsive feeding reduces risks of infection, obesity, and chronic illness for babies, while improving maternal health.
Consistency and Quality of Care: Staff are trained to provide evidence-based, compassionate support, ensuring families receive clear and consistent advice.
Enhanced Patient Experience: Families feel confident, supported, and respected in their feeding choices, fostering trust in our services.
Alignment with National Guidance: Meeting BFI standards helps us comply with NHS priorities and public health goals for infant nutrition and wellbeing.
Ultimately, BFI Accreditation reflects our dedication to giving every baby the best possible start in life and promoting lifelong health for our community.
please see the below link for more information;
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/
If your baby is in NNU
Useful links
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/neonatal-care-resources/expressing-milk-for-your-baby-on-the-neonatal-unit/
UNICEF - Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) NEONATAL
Stage 1 Achievement
Croydon Neonatal Unit has achieved Stage 1 of the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accreditation. This stage focuses on building a strong foundation for infant feeding and parent-infant relationships. It means:
The unit has clear policies and guidelines to support breastfeeding and responsive feeding.
Staff are trained in the basic principles of supporting parents with feeding and bonding.
Parents can expect consistent, evidence-based advice from all staff.
For parents, this means:
You will receive accurate, supportive information about feeding your baby, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding.
Staff will help you understand skin-to-skin contact, bonding, and how to respond to your baby’s cues.
There is a commitment to protect and promote breastfeeding, but also to respect your choices.
Working Towards Stage 2
Stage 2 is about embedding staff competence:
All staff will be trained to practically support parents with feeding and building close relationships.
This includes hands-on help with breastfeeding, expressing milk, and safe formula preparation.
Staff will learn how to listen and support parents without judgment.
For parents, this means:
You’ll get practical, skilled help when you need it—especially in those early days.
Staff will work with you to build confidence, whether you’re breastfeeding, expressing, or formula feeding.
The focus is on your relationship with your baby, not just feeding.
Support in the community
Infant Feeding Drop Ins/Clinics
Infant feeding clinics provide dedicated support and guidance to parents and caregivers on all aspects of feeding their baby. These clinics are run by trained professionals who offer evidence-based advice on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, expressing milk, and managing common challenges such as positioning, latch, and maintaining milk supply. They also provide reassurance, practical tips, and tailored care plans to ensure babies receive optimal nutrition and families feel confident and supported. The goal is to promote safe, responsive feeding practices that nurture both infant health and parent wellbeing.
Occasionally there are closures during holiday times, please check social media and our internet page for updates:
Charities that offer support with Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding Network - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers - https://abm.me.uk/
Out of hours support and helplines:
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212, available 24/7
- La Leche League: 0345 120 2918, 8am – 11pm
- NCT Helpline: 0300 330 0771, 8:00am to Midnight
Feedback form
We would love to hear your feedback on your experience with infant feeding at Croydon University Hospital.
Please scan the below QR Code and fill in the survey;
Infant Feeding Experience- Inpatient Survey – Fill in form
Infant Feeding Experience- Community Survey – Fill in form
Support outside of Croydon
If your baby was born at Croydon University Hospital, however you do not live within the borough of Croydon, here are other local services;
https://www.bromley0to19.co.uk/0-4-years/infant-feeding-clinics
https://clch.nhs.uk/services/infant-feeding-services/breast-feeding-merton
https://www.suttonhealthandcare.nhs.uk/breastfeeding/
https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/our-services/community/breastfeeding/overview.aspx