The Maternity team at Darent Valley Hospital are committed to supporting you to feed and build a strong nurturing relationship with your baby from pregnancy. All staff involved in your care are trained and able to answer your questions and offer practical support in pregnancy, birth and during the first weeks of your baby’s life.
Whether you have chosen to breastfeed, offer your expressed breastmilk by bottle or formula feed your baby, DVH’s Community Midwives team will support you in the early days after the birth. If you need extra support with feeding between their scheduled visits, you can contact them by calling 01322 428 753.
Ten to fourteen days after the birth, you will receive feeding advice and support from your Health Visitor. They offer home visits and specialist feeding clinics and groups near you.
If you live in Kent, contact Kent Community Health Breastfeeding Support: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/kent-baby/breastfeeding-support/
If you are a Bexley resident, contact Bexley 0 to 19: https://www.bromleyhealthcare.org.uk/explore-our-services/bexley-0-to-19/. You can also contact Darent Valley Hospital’s Infant Feeding team by emailing us: dgn-tr.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net
You can access the ‘Off to the Best Start’ or ‘Guide to Bottle Feeding’ leaflets on: www.nhs.uk/start4life. DVH Infant Feeding team have produced a video to help parents understand if their babies are feeding well.
Keeping your baby nearby enables you to respond to their hunger and comfort needs.
Other feeding support resources:
#Beside You Information on where to find breastfeeding support in Kent and Medway:
Click on link or scan QR code #Beside You
First Steps Nutrition Trust has evidence-based information on formulas and breastmilk. First Steps Nutrition Trust
Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative also provides valuable information about feeding and building a strong loving relationship with your baby.