Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Infant Feeding Advice:
- Encourage exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 months, highlighting its nutritional and health benefits for both baby and mother, and that even short durations are beneficial.
- Support breastfeeding by advising on correct attachment, effective milk transfer, and managing common breastfeeding problems such as mastitis or nipple pain; observe feeds early after birth to assess and address concerns.
- Inform parents about expressing breast milk, safe storage, and preparation, and caution against 'prop' feeding.
- Discuss formula feeding sensitively with parents considering or needing it, including partial formula feeding alongside breastfeeding or expressed milk, and support continued breastfeeding if formula is introduced.
- Advise on vitamin D supplementation for all breastfeeding women to support maternal and infant health.
- Encourage early skin-to-skin contact to facilitate breastfeeding initiation when mother and baby are ready.
- Provide ongoing support and reassurance at each health contact, addressing any feeding concerns and encouraging sustained breastfeeding or re-establishment if combination feeding.
Maternal Nutrition Advice:
- Advise a healthy, balanced diet postnatally, tailored to individual needs, including those with gestational diabetes, where no specific diet is superior but healthy eating is essential.
- Inform women with insulin-treated diabetes to monitor and adjust insulin doses post-birth and to have snacks or meals before or during breastfeeding to reduce hypoglycaemia risk.
- Encourage lifestyle advice including nutrition, physical activity, and avoidance of smoking, alcohol misuse, and drug misuse to support recovery and wellbeing.
- Advise on vitamin D supplementation during breastfeeding to maintain maternal and infant vitamin D status.