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Health Visitor Contact Details

We have four health visiting teams in Enfield, Bowes, Forest, Highlands and Moofields

Contact Number

020 3988 7300

Email Addresses

Bowes - rf-tr.boweshv@nhs.net

Forest - rf-tr.foresthv@nhs.net

Highlands - rf-tr.highlandshv@nhs.net

Moorfields - rf-tr.moorfieldsouthhv@nhs.net

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Enfield Health Visiting Service achieved their stage two UNICEF baby friendly accreditation in January of this year. We will now be focusing on the service we provide for our families and looking at how we can develop and improve the infant feeding provision. This will lead us on to stage 3 of the accreditation later in 2026.

What does this mean for our families?

The world health organisation recommends that all mothers are supported to breast feed their babies for at least 6months and to continue for as long as they wish. Currently 8 out 10 women stop breast feeding before they want to due to lack of support.

Our health visiting service is embedding the UNICEF BFI standards throughout the service and we are working closely with maternity, neonatal units, peer supporters and GPs to ensure we

Support pregnant women to recognise the importance of breastfeeding and early relationships for the health and wellbeing of their baby

Enable mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they wish

Support mothers to make informed decisions regarding the introduction of food or fluids other than breastmilk

Support parents to have a close and loving relationship with their baby.

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Remember, it can take a while to feel confident about breastfeeding, but you're not alone. Your midwife and health visitor are there to help, guide and support you.

There's also lots of advice available online or via support groups, helplines and websites.

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Breastfeeding help and support - Start for Life

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It can take a while to feel confident with breastfeeding, but there is lots of help and support available. Find out more.

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding.

Key to achieving the Baby Friendly standards is a workforce able to support mothers to breastfeed effectively. This video provides some guidance on this.

You can see more of the 'From Bump to Breastfeeding' DVD on the Best Beginnings website.

Video not working? Contact us

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Positioning and attachment video - Baby Friendly Initiativ

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In this video, a breastfeeding counsellor helps a mother with her positioning and attachment whilst breastfeeding. Watch to learn more.

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Your local Sling Library may have a few options you can try out for carrying in the heat - it is always worth investigating to see what works for you and your baby comfort-wise. Sometimes hiring for a holiday may be cheaper than buying a new sling!

Stretchy Wraps

There are several lighter weight stretchy wraps available which will feel cooler than the heavier, thicker brands. Bamboo is breathable and cooler, and look at how thick the fabric is before you buy. Stretchies are wonderful for little babies but need a minimum of two, ideally three layers. Some hybrid carriers have mesh panels which can reduce warmth.

Woven Wraps

Lightweight wraps (usually those with a lower density (the g/m2) are cooler and lighter than thicker and heavier ones) can be very useful. Gauze wraps are thin and cool and good with smaller children. Thin cotton wraps are also an option - but may not be as sturdy for bigger children. There are many supportive, lightweight , breathable cotton wraps around and some brands make special lightweight cotton blends with special fibre types for strength (eg "ice cotton").

There are thick and thin versions of almost every combined blend of woven wrap available, so it is worth doing some research into the thickness and density. Traditionally, linen, hemp and silk are used to add strength and sturdiness to the softness of cotton, and can be lovely lightweight toddlerworthy wraps, but some blends can be thick and warm. 100% linens are often cool and supportive, and loose weaves can be airier than dense ones. Some people find merino blend wraps cool in warm weather, as the breathable wool wicks moisture to the surface to be carried away.

Learning how to use a shorter wrap may be another way of reducing the amount of fabric wrapped around your body.

There are a few mesh wraps around, such as the Fil'Up, which can be very cool to use.

Ring Slings/Mesh Slings

Ring slings or mesh slings like the MiniSling are a great option in warmer weather, as they can be quick to take on and off and only cover half of your body. They are single layer slings, too. Again, like any woven wrap , the fabric involved can make a difference to its warmth. Lightweight muslin ring slings, 100% linens or thin but strong cotton/blends are a good option here. Be cautious about buying thin ring slings from eBay or from non-recognised retailers. There are mesh water ring slings which can be useful in the water, but can also be a little sweaty in dry, hot conditions due to the fabric used. Simple pouches can be a good option as well, if used safely in an upright position, and there are several mesh carrying aids like the Suppori and the Tonga which can help take some of your child's weight and remain cool. Carrying aids are not hands free, however.

Meh Dais/Half Buckles

Sometimes these can feel warm, if there are multiple layers of fabric in the panel or if the fabric used is thick and dense. Sometimes lighter weight meh dais/half buckles can work well, tied in ways that allow airflow at the sides or with straps not spread across the whole of the parent's back.

Buckle Carriers

Some buckle carriers are designed for hot weather use, either in the lightness of the fabric they use, the lack of padding, or their design (mesh panels etc). Some people will find rucksack style carriers less warm than cross strap carriers, as there is less padding across the back (when used in front carries). Solarweave fabric is useful and some carriers make a feature of their UV resistant fabric too. Some carriers have lightweight mesh panels or less padded straps, or thin waterproof fabric . Those with thick padded waists may feel just as hot to wear as their standard counterparts.

In summary, yes you can carry your baby in hot weather, there are many things you can do to make it more enjoyable for both of you. Be mindful of your baby's comfort and be careful of both your needs, and you won't go far wrong!

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Summer Slings and Keeping Safe in The Sun - Carrying in the Heat - Carrying Matters

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Your local Sling Library may have a few options you can try out for carrying in the heat - it is always worth investigating to see what works for you and your baby comfort-wise. Sometimes hiring for a holiday may be cheaper than buying a new sling!

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Anya is here 24/7 for your parenting & breastfeeding questions. Even at 3am. Free Premium upgrade for all parents in Enfield

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This video guides mothers on how to hand express and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful.

See the Breastfeeding Network website for FAQs and a leaflet all about expressing and storing breastmilk.

Problems viewing this video? Contact us.

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Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

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We have released a new smartphone app, Birth & Beyond, to provide mothers and caregivers with easy access to our videos. The app helps support those with limited access to health care, an increasing problem worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. Birth & Beyond

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

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A good knowledge of sling safety is of paramount importance

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As parents, one of our greatest priorities is to keep our children safe. A good, correctly fitting sling that protects airway can be a very helpful tool.

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Slinging London CIC | Scheduling and Booking Website

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Please contact the following emails for each library:Bloomsbury - info@northlondonslings.co.ukBright Start Islington - islington@northlondonslings.co.ukEnfield - enfield@northlondonslings.co.ukEast London Sling Library - info@eastlondonslings.ukHaringey Family Hubs - haringey@northlondonslings.co.uk__________________________________________________________Slinging London CIC is a not for profit social enterprise supporting parents and carers in the capital to safely and comfortably carry their babies, toddlers and preschoolers. We run the North London Sling Library, with branches in Bloomsbury, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and the East London Sling Library in Waltham Forest.North London Sling Library - Bloomsbury: Guide Hall, Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, WC1N 1DNOpen every other Wednesday during term time, 10:30am - 12:30pm. Appointment onlyNorth London Sling Library - Enfield: Ponders End Youth and Family Hub, 141 South Street, Enfield, EN3 4PXOpen every other Friday during term time, 10am - 12pm. Appointment onlyNorth Middlesex Hospital Maternity Unit, Sterling Way, N18 1QX                                             Open twice a month during term time, Monday 10.30am to 12.30pm. Appointment onlyMini Consultations, please email for more informationEast London Sling Library: Upstairs at KuKooLaLa, 3 Marsh Lane, Leyton Jubilee Park, E10 7BLOpen every other Thursday, 10:15am - 12:15pm. Appointment onlyBright Start Islington Sling Library: Paradise Park Children’s Centre, Mackenzie Road, N7Open the second Thursday of each month, 10:30am - 1pm. Drop-in onlyHaringey Family Hubs Sling Library: Triangle Children’s Centre, 91-93 St. Ann’s Road, N15 6NUOpen every Tuesday during term time, 10am - 12:30pm. Drop-in onlyPrivacy policy: Your personal data will only be used in the course of providing our services to you and for monitoring the reach of our services. It is stored securely and will not be shared outside Slinging London CIC. Very occasionally we would like to be able to email you with information about special events, news and offers, and you will have the opportunity to opt in to our mailing list during the appointment booking process. You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time.

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Enfield's Youth and Family Hubs

All families need support from time to time to help their babies and children thrive. Whether that's from friends, family, volunteers or professionals.

Youth and Family Hubs bring together lots of different services for children and families, making it easier for them to get the help they need at the right time. Offering help and support for families, from pregnancy up until age 19, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The hubs are welcoming, friendly, and open to all families, children, and young people. They have a family hub navigator to support families and young people to access the help they need.

This whole family approach will ensure that the support provided for children, young people and families is delivered in a holistic and joined-up way.

Ponders End Youth and Family Hub - now open!

141 South Street
EN3 4PX

To contact, call 020 8379 2002 or email pondersendfamilyhub@enfield.gov.uk.

View the Ponders End Youth and Family Hub schedule of activities.

Craig Park Youth and Family Hub - now open!

2 Lawrence Road
N18 2HN

To contact, call 020 8379 2002 or email craigparkfamilyhub@enfield.gov.uk.

View the Craig Park Youth and Family Hub schedule of activities.

Early help referral

To make an early help referral, visit Children's Portal.

Children's Centre - Family Hub

To see their latest timetable of events, visit Enfield Children's Centre.

Start for Life

Support for the first 1001 days from conception to 2 years of age.

For more information, see Enfield's Start for Life offer.

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All families need support from time to time to help their babies and children thrive. Whether that's from friends, family, volunteers or professionals. Youth and Family Hubs bring together lots of...

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Adele Houldsworth Infant feeding coordinator health visitor

07929744696

rf-tr.bfreferrals@nhs.net

24 hr National Breast Feeding Helpline 0300 100 0212

Contact community team midwife

Attend Dugdale Centre Cafe Wednesdays 1-3

39 London Road Enfield EN2 6DS

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The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families

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Location Address Day and time (drop-in)

Bowes Road Clinic Bowes Road Clinic, 269 Bowes Road, N11 1BD Thursday, 9.30 to 11.30am

Carterhatch Children’s Centre Carterhatch Children’s Centre, Autumn Close, Enfield, EN1 4JY Friday, 9.30 to 11.30am

Christ Church Hall Christ Church United Reformed Church, Chase Side, Enfield, EN2 6NJ

Wednesday, 9.30am to 11.30am

Craig Park Family Hub

2 Lawrence Road (Baxter Road), Edmonton, N18 2HN

Wednesday, 9.30 to 11.30am

Eldon Children’s Centre

Eldon Children's Centre, St Peter's Road, N9 8JP

Monday, 1.15 to 3.15pm

Ponders End Youth Centre Ponders End Youth Centre, 129 South Street, EN3 5PA

Tuesday, 9.30 to 11.30am

Ridge Avenue Library

Ridge Avenue Library, Ridge Avenue, London, N21 2RH

Monday, 9.30am to 11.30am

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Local Play Groups in Enfield Sep25 Email version