National Breastfeeding Week begins today (Monday 18 September), reminding us of the part everyone can play to help parents to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding can have its challenges, and getting the right support can make a big difference.
There is lots of help and advice available:
- The NHS Better Health website has lots of useful information and support available for anyone who is or would like to start breastfeeding.
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers confidential breastfeeding information and support. It is available 9:30am-9:30pm every day on 0300 100 0212.
- The NHS website has advice on the supportive roles dads, partners and families can play.
- Our local Healthier Together website has lots of local information about pregnancy and new-borns which might also be useful, including on infant feeding advice.
There are also local services that can support you.
The Hertfordshire Family Centre Service has staff who are trained to support you with breastfeeding, or whichever way you choose to feed your baby. They can also help signpost you to local breastfeeding support groups.
The Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service seeks to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The service has dedicated and trained practitioners who have a special interest in infant feeding and can support you however you choose to feed your baby. The service also runs Infant Feeding support groups in various locations around Essex.
Please let anyone who is breastfeeding or considering doing so that you know about this support available.