The main breastfeeding support organisations

Who they are, what they do and when to contact them.

If it hurts when you breastfeed, something is wrong! Seek help immediately from a person fully trained in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Counsellors train for around two years in breastfeeding. They are voluntary workers and their services are FREE. The earlier you ask for help, the quicker the problem can be sorted. Sometimes it can be as easy as changing the way you hold your baby. If anyone tells you that you are feeding too often, remember a newborn baby’s tummy is about the size of a walnut – so they need feeding little and often at first. If you have any doubts – ring a breastfeeding counsellor or ask your midwife, health visitor or GP. If you have any concerns regarding the health of your baby (or yourself), seek medical attention.

It cannot be recommended highly enough, that you join a Support Group before you have your baby. This way you get to meet the advisors and other mums, get comfortable with them and so you know exactly who to call should a problem arise.

National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0844 20 909 20

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

The ABM, founded in 1980 by a group of breastfeeding mothers, offers mother to mother support via their breastfeeding helpline.

The helpline is open from 9.30am - 10.30pm, 7 days a week and is manned by volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellors. Our Breastfeeding Counsellors are mothers who have been trained by the ABM to counsel breastfeeding mums in all aspects of breastfeeding, from feeding newborn babies to toddlers/older children. For more information on support, membership or training, please go to our website: www.abm.me.uk

Anyone can access help via the helpline, you do not have to be a member of the ABM. The number is: 08444 122 949

Breastfeeding Network

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN)is a UK wide charity which aims to be an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women, and for those involved in their care.

BfN offers breastfeeding support via its helpline, and at over 50 Centres / drop-in groups where you will get a warm welcome and a chance to meet other breastfeeding mothers and mums-to-be.

To be connected to your nearest breastfeeding supporter call BfN’s Supporterline 0844 412 4664, line open from 9.30 – 21.30 7 days a week.

To find out if there is a BfN Centre near you call the helpline or visit the website www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

BfN also operates a drugs in breastmilk helpline and provides information sheets on its website.

For Breastfeeding support in Bengali / Sylhetti,

Call: 07944 879 759, 9:30 to 21:30 7 days a week

Call us or email training@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk to find out more about our training.

La Leche League

LLGB Breastfeeding help through mother-to-mother support, encouragement and education has been available from La Leche League for 50 years. Within their local communities, Leaders help breastfeeding mothers by telephone, email and at meetings. Leaders are mothers who have breastfed for 12 months or longer, are trained in breastfeeding management, counselling and group management skills and who represent La Leche League's ideals and principles of mothering.

La Leche League believes that every mother is the expert on her individual child and is best placed to make her own parenting decisions. While seeking to dispel the myths surrounding breastfeeding and replacing them with facts, La Leche League encourages mothers to follow their instincts.

The national telephone helpline (0845 120 2 918) connects mothers directly to an accredited Leader, while the organisation's website (http://www.laleche.org.uk/) includes an online help form to which an individual Leader responds to help each mother directly with her concerns.

National Childbirth Trust

The National Childbirth Trust is the leading charity for pregnancy, birth and parenting in the UK. Every year we support thousands of people through this incredible life-changing experience, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support through our local branch networks, national telephone helplines and antenatal and postnatal courses.

The NCT is run by parents, for parents with over 70,000 members – our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers who work through our network of branches to provide local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and professionals. We are trusted and respected by health professionals and governments as an organisation that represents the needs of parents.

Enquiry Line: 0870 444 8707

Membership Line: 08709 908040

Pregnancy and Birth Line: 0870 444 8709

Breastfeeding Line: 0870 444 8708

Office number: 0870 770 3236

Website: www.nct.org.uk

Address: Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, Acton, London W3 6NH

Further support and information may be found on the Links page or to check if there is a group near to you, go to the Support Groups in UK page.