Here are a few tips on how to do your bit during feeds:

• Prepare some of the feeds or sterilise the bottles and get all the equipment ready and your partner will love you!
• Take it in turns on night duty; wearing ear plugs will help whoever’s off duty to get a good night’s sleep. Or try splitting the night up – one of you gets up from bedtime ‘til 3am, and the other does the 3–8am shift.
• Why not take care of some of the bottle-feeding during the daytime? It’ll help you to bond with your baby and give your partner time to rest, do other things or just have some ‘me’ time. Just keep in mind that your baby may take time to adjust to taking feeds from you if they’re not used to it, so keep on trying!

Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.