Breastfeeding supporters in the UK – both voluntary and paid – are skilled and experienced in offering breastfeeding support over the phone and online. Several helplines are available, and many have increased capacity:

National Breastfeeding Helpline (run by the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and the Breastfeeding Network) – 0300 100 0212 Open 9.30am-9.30pm, every day of the year.

This line also includes an option for Welsh and Polish language support.

Breastfeeding Network Bengali/Sylheti Helpline 0300 456 2421

The National Breastfeeding Helpline also provides support via web chat at www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk and via Facebook messenger www.facebook.com/nationalbreastfeedinghelpline

The Breastfeeding Network’s Drugs in Breastmilk Information service offers evidence based info on the safety of medications and treatments during breastfeeding.

A series of fact sheets covering a wide range of issues and medications can be found at: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets

Or you can message the BfN Drugs in Breastmilk Information page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BfNDrugsinBreastmilkinformation

Or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

 

La Leche League – 0345 120 2918 (8am-11pm) and visit https://www.laleche.org.uk/get-support/ for a range of online and telephone breastfeeding support options.

NCT – 0300 330 0700 Feeding line (8am-midnight)

https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/early-days/breastfeeding-support-nct

You can also contact your local health visiting team or local infant feeding support team to see what other resources are available. An internet search using ‘breastfeeding’ and the name of your town or county will usually get you to the right teams. In many areas, there are increased levels of phone support and support available online and through video.

You can also visit lcgb.org to find a local lactation consultant: https://www.lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/. Many are offering additional remote support options.

There are several reliable sources of online information including:

https://www.laleche.org.uk/

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

www.abm.me.uk​

https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding

https://breastfeeding.support/

For joint expert information on breastfeeding and caring for a baby during a COVID-19 infection or suspected infection, please visit this site and scroll down to find the later questions: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/