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Infant feeding policy, NHSGGC

Maternity

The Infant Feeding Policy is to support staff to deliver appropriate advice and intervention with parents to provide optimum infant nutrition from the antenatal period and for the first 12 months of a baby’s life. It reflects the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and beyond with the appropriate introduction of solid foods. By supporting optimum infant feeding practice, this policy promotes the development of close and loving relationships between parent and baby.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) understand their role and responsibilities in supporting parents to feed and care for their babies in ways which support optimum health and well-being. The Infant Feeding Policy covers the period from conception to 12 months following birth.

The standards of care provided by NHSGGC should reflect the current evidence base, guidelines and supports ongoing commitment to achieving and maintaining UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) standards for neonatal, paediatric, maternity and community settings.

It is recognised that babies and families within Neonatal and Children’s services may require additional care and support which is outlined in more detail in the Neonatal Infant Feeding Policy.

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 27/04/2026

Next review date: 28/02/2029

Approved By: NHSGGC Board Clinical Governance Forum

Related resources
  1. UNICEF 2016. Implementing the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Standards for Maternity Services: Neonatal Unit Guidance
  2. Perinatal Network Scotland 2024. Neonatal Infant Feeding Policy
  3. World Health Organisation WHO 1981. The International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes
  4. Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding: Strategic Framework for 2025-2030 (Scottish Government 2025)
  5. Scottish Government 2011. Improving Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action
  6. Scottish Government 2017. The Best Start: Five Year Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Care in Scotland
  7. Scottish Government. Getting it Right For Every Child (GIRFEC)
  8. Scottish Government 2015. The Universal Health Visiting Pathway in Scotland: Pre-birth to Pre-school
  9. UNICEF 2013. The Evidence and Rationale for the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Standards
  10. Feeding in the First Year of Life: SACN Report (www.gov.uk)
  11. Feeding Young Children aged 1-5 Years: SACN Report (www.gov.uk)
  12. Domestic Abuse: What health workers need to know about gender-based violence (NHS Scotland 2009)
  13. NHS Scotland Workforce Breastfeeding Policy (NHS Scotland 2023)
  14. NHSGGC. Vitamin D Free Supplements Advice
  15. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. Breastfeeding Assessment Tools
  16. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. Breastfeeding assessment tool (HV)
  17. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2017. Faltering Growth: Recognition and Management of Faltering Growth in Children
  18. NHSGGC EMIS Web Guidance. Community Children's Services Referral Process
  19. NHS Scotland 2021. Facilitating Learning of Clinical Skills Workbook (2021)
  20. First Steps Nutrition Trust
  21. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative 2020. Working Within The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes: A Guide for Health Workers