Patients & Visitors

Maternity leaflets

These leaflets are to be used to support the information and advice provided by health professionals and are not intended as a self-help guide.

Click on the links on the right hand menu to download maternity leaflets at East Cheshire NHS Trust.

If the leaflet you require is not here, you can also use NHS Direct for patient information. Visit the website or phone 0845 4647.

Breastfeeding – all you need to know!

Deciding to breastfeed is one of the best things you can do for your baby, it will benefit them for life. Babies are designed to breastfeed, and your breasts are designed to make the perfect milk for your baby.

Breast milk contains every vitamin, mineral and other nutritional element that your baby needs, including many that haven't even been identified yet. Breast milk is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, pain-relieving and contains antibodies to fight the pathogens your baby is exposed to. Formula milk does none of this.

It is recommended that you exclusively breastfeed for around the first six months of your baby's life, after which you can gradually introduce other foods as your baby becomes ready.

Once you have made the decision to breastfeed you might like to find out about the local support available in your area. Finding a local breastfeeding support group or breastfeeding specialist can be an important part of your antenatal preparation. These groups will allow you to mix with other mums and meet with health professionals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Cherubs is an NHS support group for breastfeeding mums in Cheshire.

For breastfeeding support contact:

National Breastfeeding Helpline (open 9.30am - 9.30pm) 0300 100 0212

Breastfeeding Network and Support line (open 9.30am - 9.30pm) 0300 100 0210

CHESHIRE EAST residents:

Leighton Hospital, Crewe Phone: 01270 612 287

Macclesfield District General Hospital Phone: 01625 661 153

What's in a nappy?

The National Childbirth Trust produce a free leaflet called "What's in a nappy?". This evidence-based, illustrated guide explains what mothers can expect at the ‘bottom end’ of things, which can be an important sign that all is well at the ‘top end’.

The leaflet also includes research, mainly for midwives, which explains normal patterns of weight loss and gain, and outlines how to spot ineffective breastfeeding.