National Breastfeeding Helpline - 24/7 breastfeeding support for new mothers in the UK

On the eve of Breastfeeding Week, the UK government announced plans to extend the support to breastfeeding services this year. An investment of £18.5 million this year has been made into supporting infant feeding through Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.

This investment includes extending the service provided by the National Breastfeeding Helpline. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

Read on to find out how this support may benefit you or other new mothers in your network.

 

What does this mean for breastfeeding and soon-to-be nursing mothers?

Thousands of new mothers and their babies can benefit from the extended breastfeeding support this year. There is now more support available through the night via the helpline.

As all mothers know, access to support during the day is helpful but the wee hours of the night can feel particularly lonely. Knowing there is support available when the world is asleep can feel like a lifeline to mothers struggling to feed their child.

The extended support means all parents can access free, non-judgmental, evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding whenever they need it - recognising that feeding challenges can arise at any time of the day or night. 

 

What kind of support can I expect?

The National Breastfeeding Helpline has trained peer supporters. They provide practical, non-judgemental information and support on breastfeeding and infant feeding to anyone who needs it.

The service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year via telephone. Currently the support via social media (live chat, Facebook & Instagram) is available 9:30 - 21:30.

Support is also available in Welsh, Polish, Bengali & Sylheti and for people who have hearing or speech impairments.

 

How can I access the breastfeeding support services in the UK?

Contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 or via the website here: National Breastfeeding Helpline – Helpline

National Breastfeeding Helpline Facebook page.

 

Why has the government invested in breastfeeding support services?

Evidence shows breastfeeding provides significant benefits for both mothers and babies. It’s important that families are supported to make the choice that’s right for them and have easy access to quality advice and services to help them achieve their infant feeding goals.

The helpline supports families in overcoming challenges that might prevent mothers from successfully breastfeeding.  The National Breastfeeding Helpline has said that almost 9 out of 10 callers feel more confident to continue with breastfeeding after using the support services.

You can read the full government press release, here.

 

Knowing about services such as this free breastfeeding helpline can make the difference between continuing to nurse and stopping entirely. Sadly, a lot of the services available to new mothers are not widely publicised or only heard about when it's too late. 

Make sure you share this with friends or family who are expecting to ensure they get the support they need exactly when they need it.