Feeding for Babies and Toddlers
Whichever way you decide to feed your baby, we are here to support. Our feeding support services help parents and guardians feed their babies and toddlers using their chosen feeding method.
Newborns
When they are first born, it can be stressful if your baby doesn’t want to feed as much. Newborn babies may not eat as much as you expect, but if they’re happy, healthy, and gaining weight, there’s nothing to worry about. Babies have tiny tummies and need to feed often, so it’s normal for them to eat little and often.
National Breast Feeding Helpline
The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers friendly, non-judgemental, independent, evidence based breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Find out more on their website. Or contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on telephone 0300 100 0212
What about starting on solid food?
What about starting on solid food? It takes 6 months before they are ready to start, but you may want to know what to give them and how much. Here are some places to look for the answers.
NELFT Infant Feeding
Healthcare professionals involved in your pregnancy and the care of your baby can provide you with support and information about feeding your baby.
You are also able to access specific support for feeding through the Barking & Dagenham Infant Feeding Team, and peer-to-peer support through our team of volunteer peer supporters.
If needed, you may also see an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), who can support with the most complicated of feeding concerns.
Drop in groups with the Barking & Dagenham Infant Feeding Team take place throughout the week at the following locations:
Barking:
Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB
The Child and Family Health Centre, 79 Axe Street, Barking IG11 7LZ
Thames View Health Centre, Bastable Avenue, Barking IG11 0LG
Dagenham:
Marks Gate Community Hub, Rose Lane, Dagenham RM6 5NJ
Babyzone at Future Youth Zone, 201-205 Porters Avenue, Dagenham RM9 5X
Five Elms Health Centre, Five Elms Road, Dagenham RM9 5TT
Rainham
Beam Park Health Centre, Commodore House, 2 Halewood Way, Beam Park, Rainham RM13 8RQ
The latest days and times can be found on the NELFT website.
To find out more telephone 0300 300 1813 (NELFT duty desk) or email InfantfeedingBar&Dagenham@nelft.nhs.uk