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After your baby is born, the midwife will place them on a feeding “traffic light” pathway. This is based on the type of birth you had and any risks that might affect feeding. This helps staff notice babies who might find feeding harder.

This does not mean your baby will have feeding problems. It just helps us keep a closer watch and give support if needed.

If your baby is under the green pathway then he/she will be ‘responsive feeding’, however, if your baby is under the Amber or red pathway, they will be under a feeding plan to feed 2-3 hourly, but as soon as your baby is feeding well, you will be advised to move to Responsive Feeding:

Responsive Breastfeeding

Breastfed babies usually feed 8–12 times in a day.

  • Feed your baby when they show signs they are hungry.
  • You can also feed your baby to comfort them.
  • Feed your baby if your breasts feel full.

You cannot overfeed or spoil a breastfed baby.

Responsive Bottle Feeding

  • Feed your baby when they show signs they are hungry.
  • Hold your baby close while feeding so they feel safe.
  • Ask your midwife to show you how to do “paced feeding”. 
  • When only parents feed their baby in the early days and weeks, it helps the baby feel safe, loved, and secure.
Green Pathway- Care Plan
  • Keep your baby close to you with skin to skin contact. This helps them feel calm and ready to feed.
  • Responsive feeding (as above)
  • If your baby is slow or unwilling to feed, talk to your midwife. They can guide you through the “reluctant feeder pathway” to give your baby extra support.
Amber Pathway- Care Plan
  • Keep your baby close to you with skin to skin contact.
  • Make sure your baby is wearing a hat to stay warm.
  • Try to feed your baby every 2–3 hours and check they are swallowing well.
  • Hand express some milk every 1-2 hours and give it to your baby after feeding.
  • If your baby is awake and alert, give any extra milk with a feeding syringe or cup before using a bottle.
  • If your baby is slow or unwilling to feed, talk to your midwife. They can guide you through the “reluctant feeder pathway” to give your baby extra support.
  • When your baby is feeding well, speak to your midwife about moving to responsive feeding.
Red Pathway- Care Plan
  • Keep your baby close to you with skin to skin contact.
  • Make sure your baby is wearing a hat to stay warm.
  • Try to feed your baby every 2–3 hours and check they are swallowing well.
  • Hand express some milk every 1-2 hours and give it to your baby after feeding.
  • Your midwife may suggest extra top up feeds if needed.
  • When your baby is feeding well, speak to your midwife about moving to responsive feeding
  • Your midwife will weigh your baby on day 3.

How to Hand express milk

Hand Express Milk.png

  1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them well. 
  2. Get a clean container like a syringe to catch the colostrum.
  3. Gently rub your breast in circles from the outside toward your nipple for about 2 minutes.
  4. Roll or gently squeeze your nipple for about 1 minute to help your milk come out. 
  5. Place your thumb and finger in a “C” shape about 2-3 cm from the base of your nipple.
  6. Gently press and release in a steady rhythm. Do not slide your fingers on your skin or nipple. It should not hurt.
  7. Collect the colostrum in your container or syringe. It may take a few minutes. 
  8. When the milk flow slows, move your fingers to another spot and repeat. 
  9. Do the same on the other breast
  10. Feed your baby any colostrum you collect

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.

About this information

Service:
Maternity

Reference:
M/066

Approval date:
22 June 2026

Review date:
1 June 2029

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.