WHAT'S ON FOR PARENTS?

Calling all Sure Start Parent's keep an eye out on this page for activities/courses for you.

Here is a list of things on offer at the moment:

Computer course at our EDEN HILL venue Mondays 1 - 3pm

Weaning Course at our DENE HOUSE venue dates and times to follow.

Cooking for the Family at our DENE HOUSE venue starting in February 2005.

An ongoing programme of Family Learning called Early Start for parents and young children to learn together.

Work/Careers/Benefits advice from Easington Action Team For Jobs at all 3 of our venues on the following days -

Tuesday 9.30-11am Hill Rigg House,

Wednesday 1-3pm Dene House

Friday 9.30-11am Eden Hill.

Child & Baby First Aid course coming soon.

The Sure Start PARENTS COMMITTEE meets every 6 weeks to discuss issues around services we provide, update parents on developments within the programme and plan holiday activities for the children.

PARENTS GUIDE

TO

BREASTFEEDING

SURE START PETERLEE PARENTS GUIDE TO BREASTFEEDING

AIMS

We support the right of all mothers to make informed choices about feeding their baby.  All our staff will support you in your decisions.  We believe that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and we recognise the important benefits which breastfeeding provides for both you and your child.  We therefore encourage you to breastfeed your baby.

WAYS IN WHICH WE WILL HELP MOTHERS TO BREASTFEED SUCCESSFULLY

All the staff have been specially trained to help you breastfeed your baby.

During your pregnancy, you will be able to discuss breastfeeding individually with a midwife and a health visitor who will answer any questions you may have.

We recommend that you hold your baby against your skin as soon as possible after birth.

A midwife will be available to explain how to put your baby to the breast correctly and to help with feeds in the early days.  Health visitors and nursery nurses will provide support later.

Staff will provide any support and guidance you may need in expressing your breast milk and we will give you a written sheet about this.

We recommend that you keep your baby near you whenever you can so that you can get to know each other.  We will give you information and advice about bed-sharing and infant safety.

We will encourage you to feed your baby whenever he or she seems to be hungry.

We recommend that you avoid bottles, dummies and nipple shields while your baby is learning to breastfeed.  This is because they can make it more difficult for your baby to learn to breastfeed successfully and for you to establish a good milk supply.

Most babies do not need to be given anything other than breast milk until they are around 6 months old (4 months at the earliest)

We will help you to recognise when your baby is ready for other foods and explain how these can be introduced.

We welcome breastfeeding in all areas of our premises.  If you would prefer somewhere private, please ask a member of staff.

We will give you a list of people who you can contact for extra help and support with breastfeeding, or who can help if you have a problem.

HOW CAN YOUR FAMILY HELP YOU TO BREASTFEED SUCCESSFULLY

• They can cuddle and nurse your baby without having to feed him to allow you to rest.  This is just as important; babies need cuddles as well as milk.

• Offer you encouragement to continue with breastfeeding when things may be difficult.

• Offer you emotional support with positive encouragement about how well you are doing and how well the baby is doing.

• Offer you practical support, your family can help make meals, clean the house and look after other children.

• Encourage you to spend time with your baby in skin contact; dads and grandparents can do this too!

• If you would like any advice on breastfeeding please contact us on the number below: