INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT

Infant feeding support

Breastfeeding

Family Hubs work closely with the Infant Feeding Coordinator to promote and support breastfeeding. 
It’s good to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding before the birth. Knowing what to expect should help you feel as confident as possible when you’ve just given birth and want to breastfeed your baby. Find out more about breastfeeding, from the first few days onwards on the NHS website by clicking here.

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Your local midwife or health visitor should be your first point of contact if you need more information and advice about breastfeeding. They will be able to put you in touch with a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter or more specialist support if needed. 

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There is a wealth of support available online and the National Breastfeeding helpline, contactable on 0300 100 0212, is a great service for those who prefer to speak to someone over the phone. 

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How your partner can support breastfeeding 

Getting support from a partner can be very helpful when you're breastfeeding. Practical ways partners can help with breastfeeding include: 

• Going to antenatal or breastfeeding sessions – ask your midwife or at a local Family Hub for details 

• Giving emotional and practical support – praising and encouraging someone who is breastfeeding can help to build their confidence 

• Arranging paternity leave – talk to your employer about paternity leave early on, so you can plan leave that suits your family's needs 

• Making life easier – for example, bring your partner dinner if the baby wants to feed at the same time, or bring them a glass of water and a magazine while they're feeding the baby, or perhaps arrange for family or friends to keep your partner company while you're at work 

• Doing your bit around the home – so your partner can focus on caring for the baby and getting breastfeeding off to a good start 

• Providing some stress relief – if you have young children, take the stress away from your partner by keeping them entertained when the baby is feeding 

• Getting involved in your baby's care – spending time skin to skin with baby, bathing your baby, changing nappies and helping at bedtime are great ways to get close to your baby  

For more tips and support for partners, visit our Parent Zone.​

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