Breastfeeding Families

A part of everyday life

For many families, breastfeeding is just part of everyday life. But while breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, it’s not always easy. You might be facing a new challenge, or be trying to overcome an old one. For the tough days, and all the others, there is lots of support out there to help you breastfeed your baby for as long as you want to.

Exploring different positions

Understanding how breastfeeding works can help you find the best position for you and your baby. This will allow you to feed comfortably and effectively.

In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mum get into a more comfortable feeding position.

Understanding baby-led feeding

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. Feeding your baby responsively can help you continue to produce the milk they need for longer.

This video by UNICEF shows how baby-led feeding happens in practice.

Continuing breastfeeding

Feed your Way supports you to feed your baby for as long as you choose. Many families choose to continue breastfeeding their babies after six months.

In this video, two mums talk about why they chose to continue breastfeeding their babies after six months.

Managing discomfort

You might feel some discomfort in the early stages of breastfeeding, but it should not be painful.

If you experience any pain while you are breastfeeding (for example if your nipples are very sore or pinched) speak to your Family Nurse or Children’s 0-19 Public Health Nurse.

Sometimes very small changes can make you more comfortable. Your Family Nurse or Nutrition Peer Support Worker can help. They can also refer you for extra support.

Plan for what’s next

For many parents, breastfeeding is a skill they learn together with their baby. Almost everyone experiences challenges to start with. However, with the right support, it will get easier over time. Research shows us that the same or similar things happen to most parents and babies when they are breastfeeding. From milk supply, to discomfort, to teething – find out what to expect at key stages of your breastfeeding journey.

Finding support

We want to help every parent in Nottingham get the right support so that they can achieve their breastfeeding goals. Whether you are just starting your breastfeeding journey, or you have been breastfeeding for many months, there is lots of support out there to help you feed your baby. Support isn’t just for the tough times. It’s there to help make your whole experience easier and more enjoyable.

Where you can get support

Your midwife

Your midwife can give breastfeeding support while throughout pregnancy and after your baby is born. They can help you with a breastfeeding plan and help you find extra support.

Your Children’s Public Health 0-19 Nursing Service

Nutrition Peer Support Workers and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses provide free one-to-one breastfeeding support. They can give breastfeeding advice over the phone or face-to-face depending on your need.

Nutrition Peer Support Workers also run free virtual breastfeeding groups for all Nottingham families.

Call between 8:30am and 5pm weekdays:

  • Bulwell – 0115 8833450
  • Bestwood/Southglade – 0115 8831290
  • Aspley/Strelley – 0115 8833355
  • Hyson Green/Radford – 0115 8838229
  • Sherwood – 0115 8831400
  • St Ann’s/Sneinton – 0115 8838620
  • Wollaton – 0115 8833130
  • Clifton/Meadows – 0115 8836320

Text Health

You can text a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse. They can give confidential advice about breastfeeding and your baby’s health.

Send a text to 07480635002. A Public Health Nurse will aim to reply to your text within one working day.

Other local support

  • NUH antenatal classes

    Parent Education Midwives run antenatal workshops for parents-to-be, including ‘Infant feeding and early parenting’.

  • SSBC Family Mentor Service

    If your child is under 1, you can sign up for a SSBC Family Mentor. They are available for families living in Aspley, Bulwell, St Ann’s, and Hyson Green & Arboretum.

  • La Leche League Nottingham

    The Nottingham branch of La Leche League has local breastfeeding peer supporters who are trained to give breastfeeding support at every age and stage.

National websites, forums, and helplines

  • NHS

    NHS guidance about what to expect in the first few days of breastfeeding.

  • Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

    A range of support for breastfeeding mums, as well as their partners, family and friends.

  • La Leche League UK

    Families come in all shapes and sizes and there are different ways to offer your baby human milk. La Leche League offers lots of information for transgender and non-binary families.

  • The National Breastfeeding Helpline

    9.30am-9.30pm, 7 days a week. Call 0300 100 0212 A live web-chat is also available on their website.

Resources
Download resources, assets, and guides to help you or support breastfeeding in your community.
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