Expecting a baby
As you prepare for your new baby’s birth, it’s important that you attend all of your antenatal appointments, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. Babies can hear while in the womb from 20 weeks so it’s good idea to spend time each day talking to them, responding to their movements and getting to know them. This is great for baby’s brain development.
Have you booked your Getting Ready to Breastfeed Workshop? Come along with your partner and learn lots to help you with feeding your baby.
Newham Hospital also offers a range of antenatal workshops, including antenatal expression of colostrum. For further information, speak to your midwife.
Your diet during pregnancy matters so try to eat a healthy balanced diet including vitamin D and folic acid supplements. All pregnant women, new mothers and children under the age of four can access FREE vitamins including the recommended amount of Vitamin D in Newham. Find out more on our Free Healthy Start vitamins page.
For information on healthy eating and physical exercise for babies and children, please visit Start 4 Life.
Baby Buddy has film clips of skin to skin, first feeds, how breastfeeding works, expressing milk, feeding out and about and returning to work.
How baby attaches to the breast matters for comfortable feeds for mum, and enough milk for baby, Global Health Media have fantastic videos that will help you get familiar with how breastfeeding works.
How babies are cared for in the first 1001 days (conception to two years) has the greatest impact on their brain development, emotional and mental well-being.This starts in pregnancy, when parents talk to and respond to their baby’s movements.
Cuddling your baby, holding them skin to skin, talking, singing and playing with them, soothing and comforting all help to build a secure attachment. You can’t spoil your baby with too much love.
Building a happy baby: A Guide for Parents Leaflet – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)