Formula feeding

If you intend to formula feed you’ll need to bring powdered ‘first milk’ formula into hospital with you (this came into effect on from 1st June 2020). We have the facilities for the safe preparation of powdered formula on the maternity ward. We can only provide formula milk for babies on maternity wards if there is a medical indication.

If you use formula milk it is very important for your baby’s health that you use only first infant milk from birth up to one year of age.

• Make sure that you follow all the instructions to make the feed. All feeding equipment must be sterilised correctly.  Before you and your baby go home we will show you how to do this, and provide you with written information.
• More information about responsive bottle feeding and how to make up a bottle safety can be found here: How to make up baby formula 
• Take a look at the NHS guide to sterilising bottles and remember not to share bottles or a breast pump with anyone else. 
• See the Start4life useful guide on bottle feeding

The following video explains how to safely prepare formula milk.