Our maternity services are accredited by the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. We believe breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby.
We aim to provide a high standard of support whatever your chosen method of infant feeding.
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Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting
Colostrum Harvesting is method of collecting and storing your milk in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Colostrum is the first milk that you produce for your baby and provides all of your baby’s nutritional needs in the first few days of life. Colostrum also contains antibodies and immune factors, which help to protect your baby from infections and allergies.
It is not essential to colostrum harvest if you are wishing to breast feed however there may be times when it is medically indicated or advised, such as the following scenarios:
- History of diabetes (Gestational, Type 1 &2)
- Multiple Pregnancy (twins or triplets etc.)
- History of breast hypoplasia or previous breast surgery
- History of hormonal disorders (Polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism etc.)
- Pregnancy induced high blood pressure and/ or taking blood pressure medication (E.g. Labetalol)
- Strong family history of dairy intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease
- Previous difficulty with breastfeeding (I.e.- low milk supply)
- If baby is likely to be born prematurely (if advised by your medical team), or with a known condition such as cardiac issues, cleft lip/ palate, gut conditions etc.
- Babies who are thought to be small for gestational age or are expected to be under 2.5kg
It is important to note that there are some contraindications to antenatal colostrum harvesting. These include but are not limited to:
- History of cervical incompetence &/ or cervical suture in situ
- Placenta previa/ accreta or vasa previa or other placental concerns (please speak to your midwife)
- Any history of antepartum haemorrhage (bleeding)
- Diagnosis an unstable or transverse lie or breech presentation.
If you are concerned that you may have a contraindication to harvesting your colostrum, please speak with your medical team.
If you have been advised to harvest colostrum in the antenatal period you will be provided with a Colostrum Harvesting pack in which you will find:
- A milk collection pot
- Storage syringes and caps
- Labels
- A colostrum harvesting information leaflet
- A copy of the PHA ‘Off to a Good Start’ booklet
To collect your colostrum you will use a technique called hand expressing, more information on how to do this can be found in your Colostrum Harvesting pack and in the short video below. You can begin harvesting your colostrum from 36 weeks pregnant (or earlier if advised by your medical team).
There is no evidence that short episodes of antenatal Colostrum Harvesting will induce labour and many women breastfeed throughout a pregnancy. However, if you do experience any abdominal cramps whilst expressing you should stop immediately & contact the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)- 02896150596 for further advice.
Please note the Trust will only provide a Colostrum Harvesting pack if there is a medical reason for you to harvest your milk.
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Breastfeeding
Public Health Agency video on the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme Maternity staff will give you an opportunity to discuss the benefits and management of breastfeeding before your baby is born. Useful conversations for all parents include:
- skin to skin contact following the birth and in the early weeks – this contact is important for bonding, optimal brain development and getting breastfeeding off to a good start
- keeping you and your baby close (rooming in)
- practical skills and knowledge needed to successfully breastfeed your baby – see the Public Health Agency’s book Off to a good start
If your baby is in the Neonatal Unit, the benefits of breast milk can be even more important. You will be shown how to express milk by hand and then with a breast pump. Download further information on expressing breast milk.
Useful links
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Expressing breast milk
If your baby has been born early, very small, very ill, or with other medical problems, you may be asked to consider expressing your breast milk. You will start by hand expressing your colostrum (first milk) within two hours of giving birth. After a few days, you will progress to using a hospital-grade breast pump. Midwives and neonatal staff will teach you how to hand express and use a breast pump.
Breast pumps are available on postnatal wards and in the neonatal unit. The Maternity Hospital also has a small number of pumps available to borrow and take home. Breast pumps can be loaned from the charity TinyLife for a small fee.
You will need to express 8 to 10 times in 24 hours to establish your milk supply, including at night. This is sometimes difficult when you are tired, but it is really important as the milk producing hormone prolactin is at its highest level at night.
Don’t worry if you only get a few drops to begin with. Every drop is precious and your milk supply will increase with time. Help and advice is available if you experience any problems.
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Breastfeeding mothers groups
Breastfeeding mothers groups are available across Northern Ireland. They are usually organised by health professionals such as community midwives and health visitors.
These groups promote breastfeeding by providing support and information to mothers. Breastfeeding mums get an opportunity to share experiences and help each other.
You are welcome to attend a breastfeeding mothers group at any time before or after your baby is born. Details are available from:
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Specialist breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding Challenges – Where to turn to?
If you need support with breastfeeding, either in the early days or later on in your
breastfeeding journey, the Midwives and Health Visitors in the Belfast Trust are there to help.If you require specialist breastfeeding support, your Midwife or Health Visitor can refer you to the Community Infant Feeding Team for support in your home. The Infant Feeding Team is made up of three healthcare professionals who have completed a Lactation Studies Program.
Specialist breastfeeding support is available free of charge to all mothers
who live within Belfast HSC Trust area.A member of the Infant Feeding Team also attends each of our Breastfeeding Support Groups once a month to offer specialist support.
BHSCT Face to Face Breastfeeding Support Groups
Chichester Library (North Belfast) – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.
Newtownbreda Baptist Church (South East Belfast) – 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.
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Formula feeding
If you decide not to breastfeed your baby, our staff will support you to formula feed.
Choosing formula can be very confusing, but it’s important that a baby starts on first milk that is suitable for the whole first year of life.
You can download: