Soon after your baby is delivered, you will receive an expressing pack containing information and equipment to help you to begin to express breast milk for your baby. Staff will support you to learn this important skill.
- Your milk is medicine for your baby, providing long-lasting benefits which continue into adulthood.
- Your milk is tailor made for your baby and its composition will change continually according to your baby’s needs.
- It contains many different hormones, nutrients and growth factors to help your baby grow and develop.
- The proteins in your milk are easy for baby’s tummy to digest.
- Carbohydrates contained in breastmilk help your baby to absorb calcium and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Fats in your milk are vital for the developing brain and nervous system and may improve your baby’s eyesight.
- Your milk aids the development of your baby’s immune system. Many components of your milk have different roles protecting baby from infections. Your body responds to germs in your environment, and transfers antibodies to your baby through the breastmilk.
- Your milk contains oxytocin - a hormone which induces relaxation, and feelings of well being and connection with your baby.