Breastmilk is the best food for almost all babies. We will support mothers as much as possible to provide breastmilk to their babies. Even if the mother’s supply cannot match the baby’s demands, giving any breastmilk at all, for any amount of time, still has benefits for mother and baby.

If your baby cannot have your breastmilk the team may discuss options such as pasteurised donor breast milk (available for babies who are younger than 34 weeks’ gestation) or preterm and term formula.

Your breastmilk can be affected by smoking, recreational drugs and some medications (prescribed, over-the counter or alternative medicines and supplements). It is best to let us know if you think your baby might be exposed to any of these things through your breastmilk so we can discuss what is safe or what alternatives can be explored

• Breastfeeding and expressing breast milk
• Expressed breast milk oral care
• Infant formula