Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life both nutritionally and emotionally. Breastfeeding is good for mums too physically, emotionally and financially. For some mums it can take time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby is feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll probably find it’s the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.
Breastfeeding gives lots of benefits for both mum and baby. Visit the NHS benefits of breastfeeding page to find out more.
There are lots of unhelpful myths about breastfeeding visit the UNICEF website to find out more.
If needed, there is lots of local and national support available to help you with breastfeeding.
Start4Life
Start4life provide lots of helpful information and advice on breastfeeding.
Dudley Community Breastfeeding Support Workers are available for home visits, virtual video support and telephone support. They are part of the Dudley Infant Feeding Team at Russells Hall hospital.
Contact them by calling 01384 244358 or 01384 456111 ex 3887
Email: dgft.spmwif@nhs.net
Dudley Infant Feeding Peer Support Group – Milk Mates
Led by fully-trained infant feeding specialists these friendly postnatal groups offer support with all types of infant feeding, as well as being a lovely space to meet and hang out with other parents.
For further information visit the New Baby Network Website or Facebook Page
Flo – Free Text Service
Flo will send you texts up to 6 weeks after your baby is born with useful tips and information, such as first feeds, what to expect in a nappy, expressing and lots more. If you’d like to know more about Flo have talk to your midwife or look at our introduction to Flo video. Further information about Flo and how to sign up can be found here.
Digital Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life
The Start4Life digital breastfeeding friend is available to guide new mums through their first weeks of breastfeeding and beyond, providing help at any time of the day or night and complementing the support and advice from health care professionals and breastfeeding specialists:
The Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life is available on Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Assistant, or on Facebook Messenger
Visit the Start4Life website for helpful information. You can also sign up to receive weekly emails and videos with advice about pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
The National Breastfeeding Helpline offers friendly, non-judgemental, independent, evidence based breastfeeding support and information to anyone in the UK who needs it, it is available 24 hours a day every day of the year.
Telephone 0300 100 0212
The Breastfeeding Network
The Breastfeeding Network offers independent, evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding
Telephone 0300 100 0210
La Leche League
La Leche League have trained breastfeeding counsellors, who work as volunteers to provide a network of support options including local calls, a national Helpline, emails and social media.
Telephone 0845 120 2918