We are here to support you to build a close and loving relationship however you decide to feed your baby. On this page you will find information about why this important and resources to support you with practical ways to do this.
How to build a close and loving relationship from the start
During Pregnancy
There are lots of things that you can do to bond with your baby during pregnancy. You can help your baby’s development by taking time to think about your baby, stroking your baby bump and talking to your baby.
You can involve other family members by encouraging them to think of ways that they can build close and loving relationships before your baby is born. Ideas include playing music, reading to your baby or simply chatting to your bump.
At Birth
Where possible, your baby will be dried and placed onto your chest to be held in skin to skin contact for as long as you wish. Remember skin to skin contact can be used at any time to calm and soothe your baby.
If possible, your baby will be placed onto your abdomen or chest to be held in skin to skin contact. This is sometimes known as the Golden Hour. It should ideally last for at least an hour or until baby has had their first feed.
If you cannot have immediate skin to skin for any reason, you are encouraged to do so as soon as you and your baby are able. Skin to skin is encouraged in the early days and weeks. If you miss the opportunity immediately after birth, you can start this as soon as it is safe for you and your baby.
In the Early Days
Your midwife will go through how to recognise that your baby is hungry. Babies eat little and often in the early days and weeks of life. You will be given a feeding assessment chart at discharge (yellow breastfeeding tool or green bottle-feeding tool).
This tool for parents will help you recognise the signs that your baby is feeding well. Your midwife and health visitor will go through this with you and check that all is well.
Responsive Feeding
Responsive feeding is about understanding when your baby is showing signs of being hungry. Look out for cues (e.g. moving their head and mouth around and sucking on their fingers). Remember a newborn baby’s tummy is the size of a cherry so it only holds small amounts of milk. Babies may feed up to 12 times in 24 hours and this is normal. Where possible try and limit the number of people feeding your baby as this is a special time for you to bond with your baby. Responding to your baby and their needs for feeding and comfort will help them feel more secure.
Your midwife will go through how to recognise that your baby is hungry. Babies eat little and often in the early days and weeks of life. You will be given a feeding assessment chart at discharge (yellow breastfeeding tool or green bottle-feeding tool).
This tool for parents will help you to recognise the signs that your baby is feeding well. Your midwife and health visitor will go through this with you and check that all is well.
Breastfed babies cannot be overfed. Responsive feeding means that the breastfeeding mother can offer a feed if her breasts feel full or she just wants to feel close with her baby.
Bottle-feeding babies need to be paced fed to ensure that they are drinking a comfortable amount of milk. They should enjoy lots of cuddles in between feeds and strict feeding schedules should be avoided (unless recommended by your health care professional).
It is important to respond to your baby’s cues, which will include the need to be held and cuddled. It is normal for newborn babies to want continued contact with their caregivers. Your midwife and health visitor will go through normal newborn behaviours with you.
Ongoing support
Ongoing support is available from your Midwife, Health Visitor or Family Nurse. They are there to support you with any questions that you may have about looking after your baby.
Resources
Baby I Love You – This is a Unicef UK baby book for all new babies and families. An audio video is available here. Reading and listening to the book with your baby will help you to get to know them and form a special bond.
Building a Happy Baby – This is a Unicef UK leaflet which describes how you can help build a special relationship with your baby. The Unicef UK leaflet is available here.
