# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University

# data[].attributes.body
The science bit....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Human Milk Community Interest Company is an award winning independent non-profit organisation, founded by parents for parents. We use traditional and innovative advertising and marketing practices to share the science of human milk and breastfeeding.

# data[].attributes.body
Real experiences...…..

# data[].attributes.headline
Attaching you baby to the breast...……………...

# data[].attributes.subject
Attaching you baby to the breast...……………...

# data[].attributes.body
https://globalhealthmedia.org/portfolio-items/attaching-your-baby-at-the-breast/?portfolioID=10861

# data[].attributes.headline
Evidence based information on breastfeeding and infant milks in the UK

# data[].attributes.subject
Evidence based information on breastfeeding and infant milks in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

To find out more about what First Steps Nutrition Trust achieved in its first 10 years and what we are seeking to do at present, you can read our summary report here.

To hear how First Steps Nutrition Trust's followers rate the relevance and accessibility of our resources and communications, you can read the results of our 2023 evaluation here.

Jamie Oliver MBE

Jamie Oliver is a chef and campaigner who has a particular interest in good food for children, and food education. He has been given awards from the Harvard School of Public Health and the RCGP for his work on tackling childhood obesity. Jamie also set up Food Revolution to make practical food education a compulsory part of every school curriculum across the world.

Patti Rundall OBE

Patti Rundall is the Policy Director at Baby Milk Action and co-chair of IBFAN's Global Council. She is an indefatigable campaigner for safe infant feeding and the protection of all infants from irresponsible marketing of breastmilk substitutes as well as a global campaigner for conflict of interest free public health policy making.

Dr Vicky Sibson

DIRECTOR

Vicky is a Public Health Nutritionist with a PhD from University College London. She started off her career in the humanitarian world and worked for several international NGOs both overseas and as a head office adviser for over a decade, during which time she gained a particular interest in infant and young child nutrition. Vicky joined First Steps Nutrition Trust shortly after having her first baby and keen to bring her international experience to bear in the UK. She is excited to take on the role of Director and passionate about protecting, promoting and supporting optimal feeding for all infants and young children.

vicky@firststepsnutrition.org

First Steps Nutrition Trust has four Trustees

Rob Percival

Rob Percival works as Head of Food Policy for the Soil Association, leading the organisation's advocacy and influencing in support of healthy and sustainable diets. For the past decade he has worked closely with the Soil Association's Food for Life programme, improving the food served in schools and hospitals, and he leads the organisation's policy and campaigns on ultra-processed foods. He is also the author of 'The Meat Paradox', a book published in 2022 which explores the complexity of the meat debate.

Dr Vicky Thomas

Dr Vicky Thomas is a consultant paediatrician at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne. A generalist at heart, she has a portfolio of interests including childhood nutrition, infant sleep, child protection, and supporting parents with normal baby behaviour. She sits on the scientific committee of the Lullaby Trust, is a professional adviser to La Leche League and works with a number of other voluntary organisations supporting families.

Marjon Willers

Marjon Willers is the specialist dietitian for schools and early years in Islington, where she works as part of the health and wellbeing team supporting schools and early years to develop a health promoting environment and adopt healthy food provision. Marjon is also a co-director of the Health Education Trust, the charity which developed the School Nutrition Action Groups and is a national partner of Food for Life supporting the whole school approach, food policy, consultation and engagement.

Dr Marko Kerac

Dr Marko Kerac is a clinical associate professor and programme director for the 'Nutrition for Global Health' MSc at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Initially trained in paediatrics, he did his PhD based in Malawi before finishing specialty training in public health in London. His research focuses on severe malnutrition in infants and children. He particularly enjoys the challenges of GRIPP (Getting Research into Policy/Practice): working in multidisciplinary groups from the very start of a project to together identify high-priority problems and develop practical (and thus hopefully scalable!) solutions.

Dr Helen Crawley

Dr Helen Crawley founded First Steps Nutrition Trust in 2011 and was the charity's Director until 2021. A dietitian and public health nutritionist with over 30 years' experience in public health nutrition across government, academia, research and the charitable sector, she created First Steps with the purpose of providing clear, evidence-based and conflict of interest free information and resources on eating well in the early years.

Helen was previously the Science Director for Caroline Walker Trust, where she wrote national guidance for food in schools and early years settings. She also held an honorary research fellow post at City University London, sat on the WHO scientific and technical working group on inappropriate marketing of foods to infants and children, the CODEX e-working group on standards for follow-up formula, the NICE panel on maternal and child nutrition and the Unicef Baby Friendly UK designation committee. Helen also sat on the UK Food Poverty Alliance, the London Food Board, chaired the London Boroughs Food Group and sat on the Healthy Early Years London strategy group.

Having dedicated 10 years of her illustrious career to developing First Steps Nutrition Trust in to what it is today, Helen stepped down in 2021 to pursue other projects.

trustees

We are recruiting for two new trustees to augment our board; one to bring fundraising expertise and connections to the benefit of our small charity as we seek to diversify our income, and a second to bring fresh ideas from the perspective of a practicing health care professional familiar with current challenges facing young families trying to eat well. These are voluntary roles but will play an integral part in shaping the strategy and ongoing success of First Steps at an exciting time. For more information please click on the links below:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
Infant Feeding support for parents
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/support-for-parents/

# data[].attributes.headline
Colic, how babies sleep, support for Dads, Partners, Grandparents and more!

# data[].attributes.subject
Colic, how babies sleep, support for Dads, Partners, Grandparents and more!

# data[].attributes.body
https://padlet.com/anita_burden_nct/Parenting_concerns

# data[].attributes.headline
National Childbirth Trust Feeding Helpline: 0300 330 0700

# data[].attributes.subject
National Childbirth Trust Feeding Helpline: 0300 330 0700

# data[].attributes.body
Option 1 then Option 1: Every day, 8am to Midnight, including bank holidays

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
**NCT Voluntary Breastfeeding Counsellors in South Dorset**

Marion Alborough Wimborne: 01202 842403

Anita Burden Poole: anita.burden_nct@yahoo.co.uk

Julie Dyball Studland: 01929 450044

Joanna James Bournemouth: 07931 975767

NCT helpline 03003 300700
Breastpumps can be hired for a charge.
Delivery to your home by courier service is available; please phone the company direct for details and charges: ARDO Medical Ltd 01823 336362

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breastfeeding Support - South Dorset Branch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NCT Voluntary Breastfeeding Counsellors in South Dorset** Marion Alborough Wimborne: 01202 842403 Anita Burden Poole: anita.burden_nct@yahoo.co.uk Julie Dyball Studland: 01929 450044 Joanna James Bournemouth: 07931 975767 NCT helpline 03003 300700 Breastpumps can be hired for a charge.

# data[].attributes.body
Mother to mother support and local breastfeeding support groups.  Please click on the following link: https://www.familiesandbabies.org.uk/pages/dorset-poole-and-bournemouth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic.

You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis. Expressing small amounts of colostrum before your baby is born can help give your baby extra milk in the first few days.

Please also refer to our downloadable leaflet on Expressing and Storing Breastmilk.

If you will be exclusively expressing (feeding only expressed breastmilk), whether for just a few days or longer, you might like to read our blog post on this.

Note: If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this information with your health professional to check that the storage times apply. This is especially important if you are bringing your colostrum or milk into hospital for your baby.

Your breastmilk

Can be expressed by hand, by hand pump or by electric pump. Once you know how, hand expressing is easy and needs little equipment.

Contains anti-infective ingredients that limit the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Should still be handled and stored carefully to stop unwanted bacteria from getting into your milk and growing.

Stays at the highest quality when stored in a fridge, particularly when running at 4°C or below. Note: some fridges run higher at 5-10°C - if you don't know the temperature of your fridge assume it is running at this higher temperature.

Can be frozen, which affects some (but by no means all) of the nutrients and anti-infective ingredients of breastmilk.

Expressing breastmilk

When you first start to express it is common to get only a few drops of milk. As with breastfeeding, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Expressing at a different time of day may work better for you.

When might I need to express?

Before your baby is born - you may be advised that your baby might need extra milk when they are born. You can express and store your first milk (colostrum) from 36 to 37 weeks gestation. You can read more about this here.

In the first few days - if your baby is sleepy, or to help them attach and feed.

For both these stages your midwife will give you small oral syringes to collect your milk. These are usually 1ml to begin with.

Use the ideas in this leaflet to discover what works for you. Colostrum usually starts in tiny droplets and is often sticky - having help to collect these drops in the syringe can be useful.

Aim to express twice a day from 36-37 weeks for no more than 10 minutes, freezing the same day.

Once your baby is born, express as needed aiming to stimulate your breasts at least 8 times a day including once overnight through direct breastfeeding or expressing as this will increase your milk supply to meet your baby's needs and can help you feel more comfortable.

Hand Expressing

Once your milk is flowing, you will need a wide mouthed container like a sterile plastic pot or container that is well-cleaned and scalded with boiling water - a jug is ideal - so get this ready before you start.

Remember to wash your hands first.

Find somewhere comfortable to relax, then to help your milk to flow (let down) you might:

Relax with a warm drink, music or TV.

Have your baby close, or look at a photograph, clothing or toy to remind you of your baby.

Warm your breasts in a bath, shower or using warm flannels and practice expressing.

Try some ways to gently massage your whole breast, working from the outside toward your nipple.

Take care not to drag your skin:

Stroke with your fingertips

Roll using your knuckles.

Try using circular movements.

Make a 'C' shape by placing your thumb above and your fingers below your breast 2-3 centimetres back from your nipple

Gently press your thumb and fingers together, release your fingers and repeat in a rhythmic movement.

Sometimes pressing inwards back towards your chest wall as you squeeze helps. You may need to experiment with how far back from your nipple to squeeze - everyone is slightly different.

When the milk flow slows, re-position your fingers and thumb (as if moving them around a clock face), then express another area of your breast.

Try to express all areas of your breast and alternate between breasts.

See this video on hand expressing from UNICEF for more ideas.

Good hygiene is very important:

Always wash your hands before expressing and handling breastmilk and ask others giving expressed milk to do the same.

Always use a sterile container with a lid, not the collection jug, to store your breastmilk. You can buy disposable containers. Take care with plastic bags that can puncture easily.

Try to use a different storage container each time you collect milk. If necessary, newly collected milk may be cooled and added to previously stored milk on the same day only.

Label the storage containers or syringes with your name, breastmilk, time and date and put inside a clean sealed bag or box before storing. Name and date the bag too.

Store your breastmilk in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.

Store away from meat products, eggs or any uncooked foods. Store at the back of the fridge and not in the door.

Storing expressed breastmilk

How long can I keep my breastmilk at room temperature if a fridge is not available?

If your breastmilk is freshly expressed it will keep for 6 hours without refrigeration, either at home or away from home. See 'travelling with breastmilk' section below for more details.
If your baby has been ill or was born prematurely please discuss this with your health professional to check that the same storage times apply.
How long can I store breastmilk in the fridge?

You can store your breastmilk for up to 3 days where you don't know the temperature, or it runs between 5-10°C.

Breastmilk can be stored for 5 days in a fridge running at 4°C or lower.*
*One study has shown fresh breastmilk can be used for up to 8 days when the fridge temperature is kept stable at 4°C or below.

If the fridge temperature goes above 4°C during this time, use your milk within 6 hours or throw away.

If you can't use a fridge at 4°C, try using a cool bag or box with deep frozen ice packs (changed every 24 hours). Protect your milk from direct contact with the ice packs or it may freeze - try wrapping the ice packs in kitchen towel. The bag can also be used to carry milk.

The lower the storage temperature, the longer expressed breastmilk can be stored. The storage temperatures given here include a degree of caution so that your milk remains safe for your baby.

If you wish to store your breastmilk for longer than 5 days, freeze as soon as you can after expressing.
If taking colostrum or milk into hospital follow their storage and transport times. REMEMBER: The more often the fridge door is opened, the more likely the temperature will rise. Try to check the temperature of every fridge (or cool bag) used for storing your milk each time you use it. If the fridge has no built in thermometer, use a fridge thermometer which can be bought cheaply from kitchenware stores.
How long can I store breastmilk in the freezer?

Breastmilk can be stored in a freezer at -18°C for up to six months.

You can store breastmilk in the ice compartment of a fridge for two weeks.

Safe Storage of breastmilk in the home

This table aims to provide a guide to how long you can store breastmilk for a full term baby with no additional health concerns.

Why are there variations in recommendations for storing expressed breastmilk?

More information about this can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

Feeding baby expressed breastmilk

What happens if my baby doesn't take all of one bottle? Can I put it back in the fridge or on the side use it again?

Once the baby has drunk from a bottle of expressed milk it should be used up within an hour or thrown away. To avoid wasting your expressed breastmilk it is best to offer the baby only a little (e.g. 30ml) at a time until you know your baby's pattern. You can do this by keeping most of it in one container, in the fridge, and using it to top up the baby's bottle a little at a time.

Defrosting frozen breastmilk

How do I defrost my milk?

Ideally, defrost frozen breastmilk in the fridge. This milk should be used once fully defrosted which usually takes about 12 hours. If your breastmilk is still frozen after this time or you need to use it quickly, try defrosting under cool, then warm, running water. Dry the outside of the container with kitchen paper before use and use immediately. If you frequently find your milk is frozen after 12 hours in the fridge, try to freeze in smaller quantities.

How long can I keep defrosted breastmilk?

Defrosted breastmilk should be used straight away once it has fully defrosted. Throw away any unused milk.

Why can't I defrost breastmilk in a microwave?

Breastmilk should not be defrosted in the microwave because it heats unevenly, destroying antibodies and nutrients. There is also a risk of scalds and the milk would need to be left at room temperature before use.

Travelling with expressed breastmilk

How do I bring my milk home, which I have expressed at work or elsewhere?

Try to use a cool bag for transportation and put the milk in the fridge once you are home.

Fresh breastmilk can be transported within 24 hours provided storage temperatures are maintained using an insulated box or bag and deep frozen ice-packs, and total storage and transportation times do not exceed the recommended storage times.

Previously refrigerated breastmilk can be kept cool (10°C or below) for up to 24 hours when in a well-insulated bag with deep-frozen ice-packs. Take care not to freeze your milk by wrapping the ice-packs in kitchen paper first. Ensure this milk is used within the recommended refrigeration storage times as mentioned above.

Re-heating expressed breastmilk

How do I re-heat expressed breastmilk?

Expressed breastmilk can be used straight from the fridge. It does not need to be warmed. If you would like it warmed place the container (such as a bottle or sealed cup) in warm water to take the chill off. Take care not to over warm.

If the milk smells sour DO NOT USE.

When stored, the cream and milk may separate out. This is normal. Shake gently to mix before use.

Some babies are reluctant to take milk from a bottle, particularly at first. Try offering milk from a cup or spoon. They may be less reluctant when someone else gives it. If expressed milk is refused try not to worry - your baby will make up any missed feeds by breastfeeding more often or for longer on your return. See also info on this page about introducing a bottle.

Finding a breast pump

The two UK breast pump hire companies are:
Ardo breast pumps Medela breast pumps
Your midwife, health visitor or a local breastfeeding supporter may also be able to give you details of pump hire services near you.

Useful links
Human Milk Foundation
UKAMB (UK Milk Banks - find out about donating or receiving milk)
Milk Bank Scotland
Antenatal Expressing - more detailed information about this

References

(links checked May 2023)

Cook, P. Food Standards Agency. MCN10. 2006 Handling and storage of expressed breastmilk pp1-12 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph11/documents/mcn-consultation-expert-report-handling-and-storage-of-expressed-breast-milk2

Eglash, A, Simon, L, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE Volume 12, Number 7, 2017 (c) Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. pp390-395 https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/8-human-milk-storage-protocol-english.pdf See correction to freezer temp here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065517/

Forster, Della A et al. (2017) Advising women with diabetes in pregnancy to express breastmilk in late pregnancy (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing [DAME]): a multicentre, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, Volume 389, Issue 10085, 2204 - 2213 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31373-9/ppt

Hands A. (2003) Safe storage of expressed breastmilk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3.

Royle, J. Weaver, G. (2016) Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Special Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings. 2nd Ed. Section 6, p18-32
BDA Guidelines for the Preparation and Handling of Expressed and Donor Breast Milk and Specialist Feeds for Infants and Children in Neonatal and Paediatric Health Care Settings
IMPORTANT: If you have any further questions on expressing or breastfeeding, do contact your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for help and support. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212, open 9.30am-9.30pm every day of the year.

Page reviewed and updated November 2019

Variations in Recommendations for Storing Expressed Breast Milk

Written by Anabel Hands

In 2003, aware of the confusion for mothers resulting from the significant variations in recommendations for storing expressed breast milk, the BfN decided to collate all available information from primary research papers, and national and local guidance documents. These findings were published in the MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 1. The study found that storage temperature clearly determines storage time. Recommended storage times given in our Expressing and Storing Breast Milk leaflet were based on the primary research papers discussed in the study. You can find the link to this leaflet below for more information 2.

Our publication was sent to other breastfeeding organisations, including the Department of Health (DH), to facilitate agreement on storage recommendations using the results of primary research. The DH asked the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to review breast milk storage guidelines, and official storage recommendations were changed from 24 hours in the fridge to up to 5 days at 4°C or lower, two weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge and up to six months in a freezer (March 2008) 3.NICE also recognised that refrigeration preserves the unique properties of breast milk more effectively than freezing. The National Health Service (NHS) adopted these guidelines, which appear in their leaflet Off to the best start (updated November 2009) which you can find a link to below 4.

Although a little different to BfN guidelines, the NICE and NHS recommendations took into account that fridge temperatures can vary and that a 5-day storage time covered most situations, including the need for milk expressed at the end of one working week to be used at the beginning of the following week. Some busy hospital neonatal units restrict the time milk is refrigerated as an added precaution; this is because their fridges are opened very frequently, which may affect the storage temperatures 5.

Other breastfeeding organisations, such as La Leche League, updated their published recommendations to distinguish between acceptable storage (8 days in the fridge) from ideal storage (72 hours in the fridge), and also recognised that refrigerated expressed breast milk was preferable to frozen breast milk (March 2012) see link below for more information. These recommendations are in line with the BfN leaflet 6.

It is important for mothers and breastfeeding supporters to note that leaflets and recommendations inconsistent with the published research are still in circulation, particularly on the Internet, and that countries outside of the UK may recommend different guidelines.

Please note that previous versions of our leaflet are still available in our shop and the information is still correct, noting the above.

References

1. HANDS A. Safe storage of expressed breast milk in the home. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 13, no 3, Sep 2003, pp 378 & 385.

2. BfN (Breastfeeding Network) leaflet. Expressing and storing breast milk. September 2004.

3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Public health guidance 11: Maternal and child nutrition. March 2008.

4. Department of Health. Off to the best start. Crown Copyright 2007 278957 5p 200k Nov 09 (BEL) 299223.

5. MCN consultation: Expert report & Handling and storage of expressed breast milk. 05 April 2007.

6. La Leche League International. "The Breastfeeding Answer Book" Updated March 2012.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expressing and storing breastmilk - The Breastfeeding Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This page gives you some tips on how to hand express and store your breastmilk. It also answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. You might be thinking of returning to work, or study, or planning a night out. It can also help relieve pressure from a blocked duct or mastitis.

# data[].attributes.body
CARE should be taken to ensure your baby is getting enough milk if you decide to use nipple shields

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
KellyMom.com - Breastfeeding and Parenting

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over the mom’s nipple during a feeding. Nipple shields should in general be considered a short-term solution and should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant.

# data[].attributes.body
Combining breast and bottle:
https://www.nct.org.uk/parenting/mixed-feeding-combining-breast-and-bottle-feeding

# data[].attributes.headline
National Childbirth Trust South Dorset Branch

# data[].attributes.subject
National Childbirth Trust South Dorset Branch

# data[].attributes.body
Qualified local NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors

https://www.nct.org.uk/branches/south-dorset-6

# data[].attributes.body
Support from LLL Leaders: 01341202918

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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 [...]

# data[].attributes.body
https://abm.me.uk/ Mother to mother support.  ABM Breastfeeding Counsellors man the National Breastfeeding Helpline

# data[].attributes.body
Information on medication in breastmilk:
Live chat: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/chat/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drugs In Breastmilk - Is It Safe? - The Breastfeeding Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hand expression video - Baby Friendly Initiative

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This video guides you through how to hand express, and talks about the times when hand expression might be useful for you.

# data[].attributes.headline
TAMBA Twins and Multiple Babies Association

# data[].attributes.subject
TAMBA Twins and Multiple Babies Association

# data[].attributes.body
Feeding mulitples

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Twins Trust - We support twins, triplets and more...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're still here for you...We're changing how we work so we can keep supporting you and your families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

# data[].attributes.body
http://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/
9.30am – 9.30pm every day of the year

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about the breastfeeding help and support available from midwives, health visitors, peer supporters, helplines, websites and support groups.

# data[].attributes.headline
Responsive bottle feeding and infant formula

# data[].attributes.subject
Responsive bottle feeding and infant formula

# data[].attributes.body
You can donate your breastmilk to help premature babies.  Find out more at: http://www.ukamb.org/

# data[].attributes.headline
Online Support: Dorset Breastfeeding Counsellors

# data[].attributes.subject
Online Support: Dorset Breastfeeding Counsellors

# data[].attributes.body
Facebook (closed) group for Dorset families. Providing evidence based information and support.  Moderated by local, volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellors  ~Follow the link and ask to join!~

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dorset Breastfeeding Counsellors | Facebook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dorset Breastfeeding Counsellors aims to provide parents with evidence based information and support about breastfeeding to complement the service offered by Dorset Public Health. This is a support...

# data[].attributes.headline
Who's Who in breastfeeding support in the UK

# data[].attributes.subject
Who's Who in breastfeeding support in the UK

# data[].attributes.body
Anita Burden IBCLC Dip HE Breastfeeding Counselling
I don't endorse or recommend any particular organisation, individual or product.  This information does not replace medical advice.
If you think you or your baby are unwell, please contact your GP, Midwife, Health Visitor, call 111 or in an emergency dial 999.
NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor
anita.burden.bfcnct@gmail.com

# data[].attributes.body
If you need to or want to cup feed your baby, please ensure a trained healthcare professional shows you how to do this safely.

# data[].attributes.body
Please click on the following link for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.breast.start
Also available on Iphone