Breastfeeding Advice & Support
This guideline applies to breastfeeding women.
Introduction
Breastfeeding rates upon discharge from hospital in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are high. There is however, a decline in breastfeeding rates in the first two weeks at home so providing continuing support to breastfeeding mothers is essential
Key Features of Assessment
History:
Think about asking about excessive crying/parent coping and signpost where necessary (give patient information on Cry-sis and ICON).
Management
Peer support and groups:
- See Cornwall Council – Infant Feeding and Breastfeeding – includes link to a Facebook peer support group.
- Email breastfeeding@cornwall.gov.uk
- La Leche League Devon & Cornwall: the service runs online and face-to-face group sessions in various locations.
Referral
Specific Breastfeeding Enquiries:
- Patients: Advise patient to contact their own community midwife or health visitor via their own contact details.
- GP/health professionals only contact:
- Health visiting team: healthvisitinginfantfeeding@cornwall.gov.uk or 01872 322779
- RCHT infant feeding team (for patients under midwife care or with a tongue-tied child): email Rcht.infantfeedingteam@nhs.netor phone 01872 258000
For tongue tie: see Tongue Tie (cornwall.nhs.uk)
Supporting Information
For professionals:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (Lactmed)– information on drugs and chemicals to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.
- The GP Infant Feeding Network (UK)
For patients:
- Cry-sis – resource for infant sleep and crying issues including a helpline.
- ICON – useful resource on infant crying.
- International Breastfeeding Centre – useful information sheets and breastfeeding videos from lactation expert, Dr Jack Newman.
- The Breastfeeding Network –tips, prescribing information and useful patient leaflets.
Page Review Information
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Review date |
June 2024 |
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Next review date |
June 2026 |
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Clinical editor |
Dr Madeleine Attridge |
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Contributors |
RCHT Infant Feeding Team |
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