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If your breastfeeding journey has ended sooner than you had hoped, if you're interested in discussing relactation, or if you need more support with your breastfeeding goals, please reach out to our team for additional information BWC.infant-feeding@nhs.net

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BREASTFEEDING NETWORK  BIRMINGHAM SUPPORT GROUPS

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BREASTFEEDING NETWORK  BIRMINGHAM SUPPORT GROUPS

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Birmingham Women's Infant Feeding Team Feeding Your Baby

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Birmingham Women's Infant Feeding Team Feeding Your Baby

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HOW WILL I KNOW MY BABY IS BREASTFEEDING WELL POSTER M8048 (1)

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Breastfeeding exclusively (giving your baby no other food or drink) is recommended for around the first 6 months. After this time, breastfeeding is recommended alongside solid food.

Therefore, it's likely that you'll be breastfeeding when you return to work, training or education.

There are several options. You can:

arrange for childcare close to work or college so that you can breastfeed during breaks, or before and after work - the evening feed can be a wonderful way for you to relax with your baby

express breast milk (taking milk from the breast by hand or using a pump) so that someone else can feed your baby while you're at work

ask your employer or college for flexible working hours arranged around your breastfeeding needs

combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding to fit around your hours

Think about it early. Before you go back to work or college, tell your employer or tutor you're breastfeeding.

You may have an HR department that can help. It can make preparations, such as finding you a private room where you can breastfeed or express your milk.

Organising breastfeeding and work

Before returning to work you can:

label and date expressed breast milk before putting it in the fridge or freezer so your childminder knows which one to use first

have a trial run with childcare before returning to work

store breast milk in a sterilised container or in special breast milk storage bags in the fridge for up to 8 days at 4C or lower (you can buy fridge thermometers online) - if you're not sure of the temperature of your fridge, or it's higher than 4C, use it within 3 days

Information for employers about breastfeeding mothers

Employers have certain legal obligations to breastfeeding mothers. Supporting breastfeeding has business benefits too. These include:

reduced absence due to child sickness (breastfed babies are generally healthier)

increased staff morale and loyalty, and a subsequently higher rate of return to work

lower recruitment and training costs

an extra incentive to offer potential employees

How employers can help breastfeeding mothers

Employers can have a policy to support breastfeeding. This includes:

a break allowance for mothers to express milk

provision of a clean, warm, private room (not the toilet) for expressing

a secure, clean fridge to store expressed milk

flexible working hours for breastfeeding mothers

Let your employees know about your policy before they start their maternity leave.

What the law says about breastfeeding mothers at work

It's up to mothers to decide how long they want to breastfeed. Returning to work doesn't mean a mother has to stop. Before returning to work, she should give her employer written notification that she's breastfeeding. Her employer must then conduct a specific risk assessment.

Workplace regulations require employers to provide suitable facilities where pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can rest.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that it's good practice for employers to provide a private, healthy and safe environment for breastfeeding mothers to express and store milk. The toilets are not a suitable place to express breast milk.

The HSE has more advice about protecting new and expectant mothers at work.

Talk to other breastfeeding mums

If you know any breastfeeding mothers who have already gone back to work, ask them for advice.

You could also visit healthtalk.org to see mothers talking about breastfeeding and working.

Got a breastfeeding question?

Sign into Facebook and message the Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend chatbot for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice anytime, day or night.

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Information for employees and employers on returning to work and breastfeeding, including tips on expressing and storing breast milk.

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Rest and breastfeeding in the work place

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Rest and breastfeeding in the work place

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New and expectant mothers at work: Your health and safety - HSE

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HSE’s job is to protect people against risks to health or safety arising out of work activities. Provides advice, guidance, regulations and relating too new and expectant mothers.

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Research on Mental Health - Baby Friendly Initiative

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The crucial role of breastfeeding: supporting mothers with anxiety and depression

The evidence for breastfeeding in ensuring optimal infant and maternal health is significant, as stated by the Lancet breastfeeding series 2016 and the World Health Organisation and UK Department of Health Guidelines.

B reastfeeding and maternal mental health

More than 1 in 10 mothers are likely to experience perinatal mental health problems.

Why is Breastfeeding important?

Breastfeeding has been shown to have a positive effect on the mental wellbeing of both mother and baby when breastfeeding is going well.

Breastfeeding is a buffer, protective for a baby whose mother is experiencing perinatal mental health problems.

Depression has an inflammatory effect on the body; effective breastfeeding decreases inflammation.

Risk factors for depression: stress, pain, fatigue and sleep deprivation, inflammatory response, history of trauma, history of depression or PTSD. When breastfeeding is going well it down-regulates these responses.

How do Breastfeeding hormones help?

Breastfeeding releases oxytocin which opposes cortisol, lowering the stress response, and reducing blood pressure and anxiety.

Prolactin aids return to sleep and mothering instincts.

Impact of breastfeeding on the baby: infant mental health

An effective oxytocin system has long term positive consequences on self-regulation and health.

Oxytocin release is a conditioned response and the consequent effects can be triggered, just by the sight, voice or smell of the mother.

Oxytocin aids the development of secure attachment.

Caution:
Ceasing breastfeeding when a mother wishes to continue can put her at risk for perinatal mental health problems. It may lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure which can then aggravate self-criticism and depression.
Breastfeeding and medication

Most medications are safe to take whilst breastfeeding. Appropriate prescribing is essential. Sources of information on medications: BfN: Drugs in Breastmilk Service, Medsmilk, Lactmed, UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service.

Support the breastfeeding dyad: mother and baby

Understanding normal newborn behaviour and appropriate expectations.

Working through any difficulties allows the mum to gain confidence in her choices and allows her a sense of achievement and enjoyment in feeding her child.

Stopping breastfeeding is not a solution to the intense experience of caring for a new baby.
What support can you offer?

Signpost and refer to the local infant feeding team services, specialist breastfeeding services, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and recognized breastfeeding counsellors for evidenced based support and information.

Don't blame breastfeeding for maternal mental health issues, or value today over the long-term impact on the mother's well-being.

Encourage the mother to focus on what is going well with the breastfeeding relationship and build on it.

Written for LCGB by:
Heidi Reiner Nowalany, IBCLC - Zoe Faulkner, IBCLC - Bethany Chapman, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist

References:

Kendall Tackett, K. (2007). A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: the central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. International Breastfeeding Journal.

Borra, C., Iacovou, M., Sevilla, A., (2014). New Evidence on Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: The Importance of Understanding Women's Intentions. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 897-907.

Uvnäs Moberg, K., Prime, D. (2013). Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding. Infant, 201-206.

TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS INFORMATION AS A PDF, PLEASE CLICK BELOW
A4 Handout Breastfeeding & Mental Health 9.11.17 LCGB

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Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health - LCGB

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The crucial role of breastfeeding: supporting mothers with anxiety and depression The evidence for breastfeeding in ensuring optimal infant and maternal health is significant, as stated by the Lancet breastfeeding series 2016 and the World Health Organisation and UK Department of Health Guidelines.

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Steady weight gain is one of the signs that your baby is healthy and feeding well.

It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth.

Your baby will be weighed during their first 2 weeks to make sure they're regaining their birthweight. Most babies are at, or above, their birthweight by 3 weeks.

A midwife or health visitor will support you if your baby loses a large amount of weight or does not regain their birthweight by 3 weeks.

They'll talk to you about how feeding is going, possibly ask to observe a feed if you're breastfeeding, and look at your baby's health in general.

How often should my baby be weighed?

After the first 2 weeks, your baby should be weighed:

no more than once a month up to 6 months of age

no more than once every 2 months from 6 to 12 months of age

no more than once every 3 months over the age of 1

Your baby will usually only be weighed more often than this if you ask for it or if there are concerns about their health or growth.

Your baby's length may also be measured at some of their developmental reviews.

Understanding your baby's weight chart

Your child's growth will be recorded on centile charts in their your baby's health and development review. This is also known as the personal child health record (PCHR) or the red book.

These charts show the pattern of growth healthy children usually follow, whether they're breastfed or formula fed, or having a mixture of both.
Examples of baby weight charts are available on the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health website
Boys and girls have different charts because boys tend to be a little heavier and taller, and their growth pattern is slightly different.

What the centile lines mean

The curved lines on the charts are called centile lines. These show the average weight and height gain for babies of different ages.

Your baby's weight and height may not follow a centile line exactly. Their measurements may go up or down by 1 centile line, but it's less common for them to cross 2 centile lines. If this happens, talk to a health visitor, who can advise you.

It's normal for your baby to be on different centiles for weight and length, but the 2 are usually fairly similar.

All babies are different, and your baby's growth chart will not look exactly the same as another baby's, even their own brother or sister.

Your baby's weight gain

Usually your baby will gain weight most rapidly in the first 6 to 9 months. Their rate of growth will gradually slow down as they become a toddler and are more active.

If your baby or toddler is ill, their weight gain may slow down for a while. It will usually return to normal within 2 to 3 weeks.

Your toddler's weight and height

Your child's height after the age of 2 gives some indication of how tall they will be when they grow up. If you like, you can use the adult height predictor in your baby's red book to work it out.

Once your child gets to the age of 2, a health visitor may use their weight and height to calculate their body mass index (BMI) and plot it on a centile chart. This is a way of checking whether your child's weight is in the healthy range or not.

If they're overweight or underweight, a health visitor can give you advice about your child's diet and physical activity levels.

You can also use our BMI calculator to check your child's BMI (as long as they are 2 years old or over).

For more information about your baby or toddler's weight or height, talk to a health visitor or GP.

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How your baby's weight and height are monitored, plus how to understand your baby's centile charts.

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Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you decide not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to restart. Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. You do not need to eat any special foods while breastfeeding, but it is a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

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Responding to baby’s needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Importance of relationship building

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For translated feeding information in many languages click here

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For translated feeding information in many languages click here

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https://padlet.com/bwinfantfeedingteam/infant-feeding-translated-resources-in-multiple-languages-ag4sepy6smb52q68

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For more information on Expressing and Breast Pumps (click below image)

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For more information on Expressing and Breast Pumps (click below image)

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If your baby is on Neonatal Unit (NICU) or the Transitional Care Ward (click below image)

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If your baby is on Neonatal Unit (NICU) or the Transitional Care Ward (click below image)

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If your baby is on our Neonatal Unit or Transitional Care Ward click above image

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mothers breastfeeding checklist 1 1 230328 081112

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Use this checklist to see if feeding is going well

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Use this checklist to see if feeding is going well

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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Attaching Your Baby at the Breast - Video - Global Health Media Project

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Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Hand expression

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Skin to skin is the best place for baby to be                                                        

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Skin to skin is the best place for baby to be                                                        

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Maternity Infant Feeding Team:                 bwc.infant-feeding@nhs.net      

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Maternity Infant Feeding Team:                 bwc.infant-feeding@nhs.net      

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Go to our website https://bwc.nhs.uk/infant-feeding-team/

Instagram BWCinfantfeedingteam

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Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust

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Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital - When To Feed Your Baby

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Live Outside of Birmingham and Want Local Infant Feeding Support

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Live Outside of Birmingham and Want Local Infant Feeding Support

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Https://bit.ly/birminghambreastfeeding

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Birmingham Breastfeeding Support - Google My Maps

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A map of FREE breastfeeding support groups in the area. Always try finding their website, phone number or social media to check for the most up to date information. All groups listed are free and run by trained and insured organisations/peer supporters. Hospital infant feeding teams are black in colour/ read the description for contact details.

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Updated in 2022 with important new messaging on sleep safety, this leaflet offers helpful, practical advice to parents on looking after their sleeping baby both during the day and at night.

Caring for Your Baby at Night and When Sleeping covers a range of topics, including getting some rest, night feeding, safe sleeping environments and helping baby to settle. It is endorsed by the Lullaby Trust, the Baby Sleep Info Source (BASIS), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV).

Printed copies are available for £15 per pack (1-9 packs) or £11 per pack (10 or more packs). There are 50 leaflets per pack and this price includes P&P within UK. Order using the Baby Friendly Resources order form, which you can download from our Resources page.
Please note: Orders for UK delivery only, and include postage and packaging costs. Orders may take up to 7 working days to process. The Baby Friendly Initiative reserve the right to re-print items at any time. If you are looking to order audit tools or e-learning please use our digital resources order form.

Caring for your Baby at Night and when Sleeping

A Guide for Parents

Download now

Caring For Your Baby at Night and When Sleeping: A guide for health professionals

Our accompanying guide supports health professionals who will be using Caring for Your Baby at Night and When Sleeping with new parents. It looks at the evidence underpinning the recommendations in the leaflet and offers guidance on discussing these issues.
An updated version of the health professional's guide will be made available soon.

Further resources

The Baby Sleep Information Source (Basis) is an informational source for parents who wish to make informed choices about their infant's sleep and night time care, and is the result of a collaboration between the Durham University Parent-Infant Sleep Lab, La Leche League, NCT, and the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative.

We have also collaborated with The Lullaby Trust, Public Health England, and Basis to create a range of resources for parents and health professionals, with accessible guidance on safer sleep practices. The following are available to download and buy on The Lullaby Trust website.

Safer Sleep for Babies: A Guide for Parents

Safer Sleep for Babies: Saving Babies' Lives - A Guide for Professionals

Safer Sleep for Babies: Quick Reference Card

Public Health Wales have produced a version of the Caring for your baby at night leaflet in Welsh, which is free to download.

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Caring for your baby at night leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This leaflet, endorsed by BASIS, the RCM and The Lullaby Trust, offers practical advice for parents on caring for their sleeping baby.

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Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk – Breastfeeding Series

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No formula milk can replace your breast milk, as your breast milk is made specifically for your baby and is constantly changing to meet your baby’s needs. If you choose to give your baby formula please watch the below videos and look at first steps nutrition website for evidence based unbiased information.

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No formula milk can replace your breast milk, as your breast milk is made specifically for your baby and is constantly changing to meet your baby’s needs. If you choose to give your baby formula please watch the below videos and look at first steps nutrition website for evidence based unbiased information.

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Click image for more information on bottle feeding

By law, all infant formula sold in the UK must meet the same standards, which means they are all suitable for your baby's growth and development, regardless of brand or price.

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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How does a child’s brain develop? Brains are built over time, from the bottom up. Brain architecture begins to form before birth, starting with simple neural…

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A sign that baby may be ready for a feed

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A sign that baby may be ready for a feed

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Breastfeeding in public can mean breastfeeding in front of a relative or friend in your own home, or in a public place, such as a cafe or shopping centre.
During your baby's first few days, you may prefer to breastfeed only where you feel most comfortable. But, as you get more used to doing it, you're likely to feel more confident about breastfeeding in front of other people when you're out and about.

Most people support women breastfeeding in public. The more it's done, the more normal it will become.

Here are some ideas to help you get started.

Know your rights. You should not ever be made to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding in public. It is illegal for anyone to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place, such as a cafe, shop or public transport.

Plan ahead. Before you go out, it can help to think about where you will feel comfortable breastfeeding when your baby gets hungry. Ask breastfeeding friends for recommendations.

A midwife, health visitor or peer supporters at a local breastfeeding drop-in will also know of good places in your area where you can feed your baby.

Clothes and bra. What you wear when you're breastfeeding is a matter of personal taste and what you feel comfortable in. For example, some mums like to wear loose tops that can be lifted up.

Others, who prefer to keep their tummy covered, wear two stretchy tops, so that the top layer can be lifted up and the bottom layer can be pulled down. A soft, non-underwired bra can be easily pulled up or down when you want to feed your baby.

Baby slings, scarves and cloths. Some baby slings are designed so you can breastfeed while your baby is in the sling. Some mums feel more comfortable putting a scarf or muslin cloth over their chest while they're breastfeeding.

Take someone with you. It can help to go with a friend who has an older baby and can take you to places that she already knows. You could go with someone else, such as your mum, partner, sister or friend, so that there's always someone to talk to.

Avoid the loos. Do not feel that you should sit in a public toilet to breastfeed. You would not eat in there, so do not feel that your baby should be fed there.

Mums talk about breastfeeding away from home

2 breastfeeding mums talk about their experiences of feeding in public:

Cara, from Banbury

"I thought I would need special nursing tops, but once my baby finally arrived, I realised that my normal clothes (and favourite maternity tops) all worked much better. I could pop my baby under my top to feed her, and she would be tucked up next to my skin.

"It took me a while to get the hang of attaching her easily without looking, but soon I felt confident feeding almost anywhere. I've never had any negative comments from other people. I do not think people realise I'm feeding a baby most of the time."

Claire, from Aberystwyth

"At first, I could not imagine how I would be able to feed the twins away from home. I was really nervous, as they each took half an hour to feed, and I would only be able to feed 1 at a time when I was out. But then I became so confident that I hardly noticed I was feeding them."

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Breastfeeding in public can mean breastfeeding in front of a relative or friend in your own home, or in a public place, such as a cafe or shopping centre. During your baby's first few days, you may prefer to breastfeed only where you feel most comfortable.

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Meeting baby for the first time

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Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

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Exclusive breastfeeding can work as a contraceptive preventing pregnancy for many women in the early months after birth. But when

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Getting off to the best possible start can play a key part in your breastfeeding journey.

Four key factors have been identified by WHO and UNICEF as being important in establishing and sustaining breastfeeding:

A breastfeed within the first hour of life - skin-to-skin contact after delivery can help to get this started.

Exclusive breastfeeding - breastfed babies do not need any other food or drinks, including water for at least the first six months.

Breastfeeding when your baby displays signs of being hungry, such as sucking fingers and licking lips, and for as long as your baby wants i.e. until your baby comes off the breast by themselves and has completed the feed.

Avoiding the use of bottles, teats or dummies, including nipple shields.

Some ideas to help you find more information include:

Read and download the NHS and UNICEF leaflet Off to the Best Start or the NHS Health Scotland leaflet Off to A Good Start for good general information including skin to skin and the first feed.
Think about going along to a local drop-in group where you can talk to other breastfeeding mums about their experiences. Find out here if there is a group near you.
Bookmark or favourite the BfN and National Breastfeeding Helpline websites on your phone, laptop or tablet so you can always find our helpline numbers or access our online chat facility. You could even give them a call if you would like to speak to someone while you are pregnant.

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Getting started with breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

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Getting off to the best possible start can play a key part in your breastfeeding journey. Four key factors have been identified by WHO and UNICEF as being important in establishing and sustaining breastfeeding: Some ideas to help you find more information include: Read and download the NHS and UNICEF leaflet Off to the Best [...]

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Babies cry, you can cope When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask. Latest news Testimonials

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This video series covers breastfeeding from the start to challenges and suggestions to overcome these

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This information and videos are available in verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

Meet four prospective mums, Melissa, Maria, Teresa and Angela. Melissa has never been through labour - she had a caesarian-section with her previous child. For medical reasons Maria has to have a c-section; Teresa wants to give birth at home; and Angela is expecting her third child. We follow them as they prepare for their births.

All our mums have different birth experiences. Find out why skin-to-skin contact is so important and about breastfeeding for the first time. "It's a great feeling to be able to provide for him without anything else, just me myself," Angela says. Melissa's partner Andy says breastfeeding is healthy, cheaper and much less effort than making up bottles.

Angela is back home with baby Cameron and breastfeeding is going well. "It's a great feeling to be able to sit there and watch him feeding away. It's a really special bond," she says. Teresa is making sure she has plenty of contact with Rufus, ensuring her body is supplying enough milk for him. Breastfeeding can protect you against ovarian cancer and give you stronger bones in later life.

How to make sure your baby is attaching well at the breast.

Meet four mums whose babies have been breastfeeding for a little while and hear their experiences. Linda was troubled by breastfeeding outside the home - until she tried it. "I thought, 'nobody breastfeeds in public,'" she says. "What I realised is, loads of women breastfeed in public, you just don't realise it's happening."

Find out about overcoming challenges like uncomfortably full breasts and mastitis, and how to position your baby so he or she feeds properly.

Linda and Heidi have fed their babies breast milk for six months. Now their babies are ready to try their first solids.

Join a class with specialist midwife Bella Dale, who explains how breastfeeding works and how mums' bodies start preparing to feed their babies before birth.

Three mums tell us how they overcame hurdles with breastfeeding. Thomasina overcame sore nipples, while Lowri encountered mastitis, both of which were caused because their babies weren't attaching properly at the breast.

We meet three mothers who express their milk for different reasons and learnt how to do it in different ways. Find out techniques for expressing, different pumps and ways to store breast milk. We also discover how mothers fit breastfeeding into their return to work.

In their first few weeks, pre-term babies may be fed using a nasogastric tube. But as they progress they will begin to take milk feeds, usually through a tube into the baby's mouth or nose. Breast milk is best for many reasons. Find out why and how as we follow four mothers and their premature babies.

Follow three mothers as they share their tips on the joys and challenges of feeding twins.

Latest

The Impact Lead will focus on developing Best Beginnings' frameworks for monitoring and evaluating our national and international work ensuring that learning continues to be captured in ways that can be shared and used for effective advocacy and influencing. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role influencing policy and its implementation within the maternity, early years, digital health and public health context.

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Your guide to breastfeeding and how to do it successfully.

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For information on responsive feeding click image

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For information on responsive feeding click image

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Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Positioning and attachment

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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Feeding and Nurturing your Baby Infant feeding support helplines ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) Helpline

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Feeding and Nurturing your Baby Infant feeding support helplines ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) Helpline

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The ABM Breastfeeding Helpline number is 0300 330 5453 (9.30am -10.30pm).
ABM volunteers are happy to talk to mums, partners, families – anyone who has a question or concern about breastfeeding.

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association of breastfeeding mothers logo

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ABM are a group of trained volunteers dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and their families. We’ve been supporting mums and nurturing families for almost 40 years. We’d love you to join us. Become a member of the ABM and help us continue our work.

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What’s in breastmilk? The CHILD Cohort Study takes a look.

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What’s in breastmilk? The CHILD Cohort Study takes a look.

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations. BfN endeavours to provide information to enable mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish and to provide information on the safety of medicines for each mother and baby pair.

Please use the below links for more information

We are constantly reviewing the information available on drugs and breastfeeding as new research is conducted. Therefore, from time-to-time the information on this website may be updated - please be sure to check regularly for any new information and changes to the drug information fact sheets and leaflets.

What is the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service?

The original Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline was set up by BfN in response to the number of calls we were receiving that concerned medication.

In 2017 we noticed that majority of enquiries from parents and professionals to the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline were coming via email or social media. As a charity operating on reducing funds we need to run the service in the most efficient and effective way possible without compromising the needs of parents. As a result we decided to run the Drugs in Breastmilk service via email and social media enquiry only.

You can still access information on taking prescription drugs while breastfeeding by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via . Please provide as much information as possible (age of baby, dose, frequency and name of medication or drug). All enquiries are answered as soon as possible by one of our small, volunteer team of qualified pharmacists or breastfeeding supporters. As we can't guarantee a response time, in an emergency situation, please do not wait for our reply, but access help from a trained healthcare professional.

If you call the old Drugs in Breastmilk helpline 0844 number, you will hear a recorded message with information about where to access alternative support. Calls won't be answered live and there is no voicemail service available.

If you still have the Drugs in Breastmilk helpline number on any materials or web pages please could you remove it and replace it with the following information:
'If you have specific questions about medications or treatments, please message the Drugs in Breastmilk information service Facebook page or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk. If you require breastfeeding support, please call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212."

The service is open to mothers and professionals. As the time available to deal with breastfeeding support of mothers is limited, professionals are encouraged to find out the information to enable them to support the mothers themselves.

Evaluation of the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service

In 2019, BfN commissioned Swansea University to undertake an evaluation of the DIBM service we offer. The executive summary of this report can be found and the full report can be found .

Become a Friend of Drugs in Breastmilk

Please click here for more information on how you can help support this vital service.

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Drugs In Breastmilk - Is It Safe? - The Breastfeeding Network

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations.

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Many mums struggle with breastfeeding in the early weeks, but support can make all the difference. Watch this video as two mums share their experiences.

Feeding support from NCT

Our breastfeeding counsellors are here to help you on your feeding journey. They'll offer relevant information and suggestions - whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding or mixed feeding. You can access their support in the following ways:

Call the NCT Infant Feeding Line

If you have any questions, concerns or need support - however you're feeding your baby - you can speak to our friendly breastfeeding counsellors free of charge by calling our support line on 0300 330 0700. The line is open every day from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.

Online breastfeeding support - chat/social media

It's always helpful to talk to other women who are breastfeeding for support, tips and company. Peer support can be found on most social media platforms online, like this one.

As well as support from our breastfeeding counsellors and your health care providers, our breastfeeding commissioned services are offering virtual breastfeeding support via zoom groups, text messaging and one- to-one calls.

If you live in any of these areas and would like some support from a breastfeeding peer supporter, please get in touch:

Many of our local NCT branches are also providing online breastfeeding peer support via closed Facebook groups. Get in touch to find out more - search on your postcode and message your closest branch to see if they have any online peer support.

Visit a local NCT Baby Cafe - supporting you to feed your baby

Put your postcode in our local activity finder to see if there's an NCT Baby Cafe near you. You can expect support, encouragement and reliable information - whether getting ready to breastfeed, establishing breastfeeding, continuing breastfeeding, expressing, mixed feeding, formula feeding, introducing solids or stopping breastfeeding.

These groups are run by qualified NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors but you may also receive support from a trained peer supporter or volunteer. They are free of charge and you are welcome to drop-in - there's no need to be an NCT member or have done an NCT antenatal course in order to attend.
Free one-to-one support from a volunteer
Some NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors are able to provide one-to-one support on a voluntary basis. This could be over the phone, online or in-person. Call the Infant Feeding Line on 0300 330 0700 to find out if this support is available in your area. We can put you in touch with your friendly local breastfeeding counsellor if there is one offering voluntary support near you.

We would be interested to hear any feedback that you have following support from one of our breastfeeding counsellors. Please fill in our survey.

Our courses

All of our courses are led by specially trained and experienced practitioners who understand what matters to you. Choose from our range of classes whether you're preparing for birth or need support postnatally.

What can you expect from NCT support?

Breastfeeding Counsellor

Our Breastfeeding Counsellors are here to support you on your feeding journey. They have undertaken an extensive two-year university accredited training course in counselling, listening skills and research-based breastfeeding knowledge.

You will be offered the opportunity to be listened to without judgement and without being pushed in any one direction. Our Breastfeeding Counsellors will discuss your options and explore what would work for you, alongside offering relevant information for you to achieve your feeding goals.

They will continue to support you however you feed your baby. Breastfeeding Counsellors attend regular continuous professional development days to update knowledge and skills. They are also supported by receiving supervision to explore and reflect upon their counselling practice.

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter

Our Breastfeeding Peer Supporters are mothers who are trained to support other mothers in their feeding journeys. Their six-week training course includes listening skills and straightforward breastfeeding knowledge.

They support mothers in the community both in breastfeeding support groups and by phone or social media contact. They will also signpost mothers to information and specialist support if this exceeds the limit of their knowledge or skills.

All NCT Breastfeeding Peer Supporters receive ongoing training and support from specialist breastfeeding counsellors, helping them to reflect and learn from their experiences and maintain the boundaries of their role.

All of our Breastfeeding Counsellors and Breastfeeding Peer Supporters are mothers who have the lived experience of breastfeeding their own babies.

Practical and emotional support

Your breastfeeding counsellor will make use of person-centred counselling skills, bringing thoughtful and empathetic support to you and your family. This includes listening to you without judging or criticising and offering information and suggestions. She will provide relevant information to help you make informed decisions about feeding your baby.

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Breastfeeding support from NCT | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, but there is lots of information and help to support you - wherever you are in your feeding journey.

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

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If you need telephone support for breastfeeding, a good first port of call is to look for an LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) local to you.

If this doesn't get you the support you need, then to speak directly to an accredited LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) call our telephone Helpline 0345 120 2918 (This is open from 8am to 11pm, 365 days a year).
Read about our Helpline Team here.

Calls to this number will be charged at your local call rate, plus your phone provider's access charge.

Your call will be answered by a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor from her own home.

Volunteers taking Helpline calls are mothers themselves.

They have breastfed their own children and will listen to your questions, offering practical suggestions and warm support.

They have the most up-to-date breastfeeding information available to help you make the decisions that are right for you and your baby.

Do consider contacting your nearest LLL group for local support.

We really appreciate the courage and effort it takes to pick up the phone to seek help.

Your call will be answered by the first Leader on the list.

Our helpline is open from 8am to 11pm, seven days a week. Outside these hours, or if there is no one available to take your call, and you will offered the choice of leaving a message for our Callback Team.

If you leave a message someone will call you back within 48 hours, though often much sooner. They may send you a text message to arrange a suitable time to call.

If you don't want to leave a message you can call us back another time.

We would love you to get support at this important time in your lives as both mother and baby.

Have you tried our Support pages? We have lots of easy to find breastfeeding information, as well as details of local meetings and Facebook support groups.

Whilst our Helpline operates in the evening and weekends it can be disruptive to family life if the phone rings late at night or early in the morning!

We ask for your help in avoiding those times unless your problem is really urgent.

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If you need telephone support for breastfeeding, a good first port of call is to look for an LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) local to you. If this doesn't get you the support you need, then to speak directly to an accredited LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) call our telephone Helpline 0345 120 2918 (This is open [...]

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Do you have any breastfeeding questions? Get NHS trusted advice from the Breastfeeding Friend available on Google Home. Find out more

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Do you have any breastfeeding questions? Get NHS trusted advice from the Breastfeeding Friend available on Google Home. Find out more

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Do you need breastfeeding support & advice? There is a lot of help available - including the Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life on Google Home. Click to find out more.