However you choose to feed your baby, we are here to support you to make feeding time a special time to build your special relationship with your baby and give your baby the best start in life.
The NHS Lothian Feeding Your Baby website has information about joining breastfeeding groups in the Lothians.
Support to breastfeed/continue breastfeeding is also available here Breastfeeding in the Lothians | Linktree
Your midwife will give you a paper copy of Off To A Good Start which contains a wealth of useful information on feeding your baby.
NHS Lothian is a UNICEF Baby Friendly accredited health board and the Baby Friendly website has lots of very useful information on feeding your baby.
Our NHS Lothian Feeding Your Baby website has information on how we can support you to respond to your baby’s feeding cues (this is called responsive feeding) and develop a close and loving relationship.
Parent Club is a website produced by the Scottish Government which provides support around feeding.
First Steps Nutrition provides excellent scientifically based information on feeding your baby from the time your baby is in your womb through to five years.
What type of infant formula should I use? The First Steps Nutrition website is where we recommend you go for the most up to date information on types of formula.
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Infant Food Insecurity Pathway supports families in Edinburgh with infants under 12 months who are in financial crisis and cannot afford infant formula, offering clear steps to access safe, reliable nutrition and timely and sustainable help. It follows national guidance “Guide to Responding to and Preventing Infant Food Insecurity in Scotland”, to ensure infants receive safe, uninterrupted nutrition and connects families with wider support.
The pathway was developed in partnership with NHS Lothian, H&SCP and community organisations in Edinburgh.
You can download the pathway here.
Midlothian
If you do not have enough money to feed your baby and have less than 24 hours’ worth of formula or food for them contact:
- Children & Families: 0131 271 3413
- (Emergency Out of Hours: 0800 731 6969)
If you need urgent help with money, housing or energy please go to our Urgent Help page for more information.
For non-urgent support with money worries, please contact AIMHI@PenicuikCAB.org.uk/0800 032 7077
Any parent, living in any area of Midlothian can access this service
Penicuik Citizens Advice Bureau | Free, impartial and confidential advice
West Lothian
If you are requiring emergency support RE feeding of child/children then please contact your emergency social work department.
There may also be other West Lothian agencies that can support families, for example, Kidzeco or West Lothian Foodbanks. Staff may be able to refer families, if appropriate, via West Lothian FORT.
