Breastfeeding help and support
Remember, it can take a while to feel confident about breastfeeding, but you're not alone. Your midwife and health visitor are there to help, guide and support you.
There's also lots of advice available online or via support groups, helplines and websites.
Breastfeeding helplines
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
- The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300 456 2421
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453
- La Leche League: 0345 120 2918
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300 330 0700
One-to-one support
Midwives, health visitors and locally trained volunteer mothers (peer supporters) are there to help you get breastfeeding off to a good start. They can give you lots of information and support just when you need it.
If you need to speak to your midwife or health visitor in between appointments, you should find their contact details in your baby's red book. Ask them to show you the page when you first get it.
Online breastfeeding support
- NHS Pregnancy and Baby Guide
- Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative
- Bliss is a special-care baby charity that provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies across the UK
- The Breastfeeding Network provides breastfeeding support and information
- La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support with breastfeeding
- The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain can help you find a lactation consultant near you
- The Twins Trust has information about feeding twins and triplets
- The National Childbirth Trust(NCT) is a charity that provides information and support on all aspects of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, including breastfeeding
- The UK Association for Milk Banking has information about using donated breastmilk if your baby is premature or ill, and how to donate breast milk
- Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline – get support via email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk or the Drugs In Breast Milk Facebook
Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life
The Breastfeeding Friend, a digital tool from Start for Life, has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you – and because it's a digital tool, you can access it 24/7.