Thousands of women and their families appreciate being able to speak to another mum, at the other end of the telephone, who has experience of breastfeeding and is able to offer information and support. The good news is this has been recognised by the Department of Health and they are providing funding for a National Breastfeeding Helpline. The Breastfeeding Network are pleased to be working alongside the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, to provide this service. Breastfeeding is arguably the single most important public health measure on the planet, and yet so many women in the UK struggle to breastfeed. Access to good support and information is crucial and this is where the helpline comes in to support other services. This service will work alongside services provided by the NHS, in the same way as we work alongside the NHS in Primary Care Trusts and hospitals. Breastfeeding is part of the normal experience of having a baby and not a medical situation. In our experience mum-to-mum support works really well as the volunteers are mums, who have breastfed but who have also undergone training in order to support other mums. Some of the difficulties that women encounter are often social as well as practical. Of course if the volunteer believes that there is a medical cause for concern, a caller would be encouraged to seek medical help.
The project is funded by the Department of Health, through the Section 64 grant scheme.
Calls are diverted to the nearest ABM or BfN volunteer, meaning the 'National' helpline also has a very 'local' feel to it.

How Do I Find a Breastfeeding Counsellor?

Contact details :

The first three telephone numbers below will usually put your call through to local breastfeeding supporters. These are mums in their own home who have successfully fed their own children, and have received extensive training from professionals in helping new mums to BF, and spot problems: they are informed counsellors who will guide and facilitate without making judgements or prescriptions. They may be able, if necessary, to come out and visit you if they live close by, or suggest local meeting and support groups. They can also offer email support and can provide details of training courses to give peer support or become a qualified counsellor, as well as often providing outreach support and training to areas which are not served by active BF support groups.

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers number quoted is a centralised helpline, offering the same sort of phone support, plus email and so on too.

Breastfeeding Network 0300 100 0210
(Bengali / Sylheti Supporterline 0300 456 2421)

NCT BF supporter line 0300 33 00 771

La Leche League 0845 120 2918

Assoc of BF Mothers 020 7813 1481

MAKE THAT CALL !!!

Another organisation worth looking at is the Baby Cafes which are growing in popularity. You can find your nearest Baby Cafe here

This website has details of support groups throughout the UK, and is frequently updated.

Of course remember that if you live in a Baby Friendly Accredited area, or are lucky in getting one who has a special interest in breastfeeding, then your Health Visitor or Midwife will be able to give you support, help, advice and information about breastfeeding, too.