This page gives you information about where you can go to get Breastfeeding support and advice.

The Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition is, with your help, working at a Parliamentary level to change Policy and put in place the neccessary infrastructure so that, in the future, all women will recieve consistent and accurate advice and information as well as good emotional and practical support.

There are already many excellent Midwives out there who have been through the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Breastfeeding Management training, but there are may more who have not. Even if the money were available for it tomorrow, all midwives simply cannot be re-trained overnight. Even with buy-in from the highest of levels, change takes time.

In the meantime, there is a lot of information and advice out there, it is just a matter of finding it and "tapping-in" to it.

You'll find lots of practical and accurate information and advice online from La Leache League, Breastfeeding Network, the NCT and many more.

Below we have listed the helpline numbers for the four main UK breastfeeding support organisations who do a superb job of supporting breastfeeding in the UK. By calling one of the numbers below you'll get to talk to a highly qualified breastfeeding counsellor, and it is amazing how much help they'll be able to give you over the phone:
The National Childbirth Trust (8am -10pm): 0870 444 8708
La Leche League (Great Britain): 0845 120 2918
Breastfeeding Network: 0870 900 8787
ABM - Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0870 401 771

Sometimes however, it is not an expert that you need, just another mum to share and bounce ideas around with. There are wonderful breastfeeding Baby Cafes sprouting up around the country where breastfeeding mums can get together, chat, share ideas and talk through challenges. There are already over 50, and more are opening all the time. The Baby Cafe website will list your nearest group. They are even a great place to go before you've had your baby to hang-out with other breastfeeding mums in a relaxing envirnoment over a nice hot cupper. Also, you'll find that Breastfeeding councillors, peer support mums and healthvistors are often there on hand to talk to.


But, if you have a real challenge and things aren't getting better then do speak to a trained breastfeeding counsellor, they are here to help you. It is amazing what they can help you with over the phone, and if they can't solve your problem on the phone they will be able to refer you to someone who can help.

You could also talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor. Many are totally up-to-date with the latest reserach and advice, but you might not always be so lucky. So, if your local medical professional is giving you advice that just doesn't "sit" with your mothering instinct, for example, telling you to "top-up" because "you've not got enough milk" even though your baby is alert, happy and healthy with wet nappies and plenty of poos.....do seek other advice from a trained breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant.

Also, if you are being told to stop breastfeeding because of medication you are on/need to be on, again you can always talk this through with a trained breastfeeding counsellor or look at the Breastfeeding Network website.

And, if you need to speak to someone, do call one of the helplines above.

Over the years we've spoken to many mums who have had challenges to begin with, but were able to tap into the right support and overcame them, they've gone on to enjoy fulfilling breastfeeding relationships with their babies....so hang-on in there.