Infant Feeding

This policy supports families to build close and loving relationships with their baby and respond to their baby’s needs however they decide to feed their baby. It applies to all staff across acute and community settings and the care and advice they provide in patients homes, in our premises and that of partner organisations.

This policy reflects NHS Lothian’s commitment to the UNICEF Baby Friendly standards of care and the International Code of Marketing Breast milk substitutes. It incorporates current evidence, guidelines and feedback from staff and families. All staff must be able to support pregnant women, new mothers, infants and their families through clear processes and training to deliver these standards. This policy accompanies the detailed procedural Infant Feeding Guideline (version 2) and the Neonatal Infant Feeding Guideline (version 2) which provide specific direction to staff and services.