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.

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.

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.

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.

Common breastfeeding challenges

UNICEF has highlighted five common breastfeeding problems. Learn about the challenges and how to overcome them:

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.