Breastfeeding your baby

Breastfeeding doesn’t need to feel like a daunting task, it should be an enjoyable experience and an opportunity to bond with your new-born baby.

Breastfeeding is recognised internationally as the best way to provide babies with complete nutrition until they are about 6 months old as well as supporting good emotional development between baby and mother.

The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and there is a huge range of support available locally, both online and in-person. There are a large number of baby hubs and breastfeeding support groups around the area which:

welcome new mums on a regular basis
offer a welcoming environment
provide ongoing support
provide an ideal environment to ask questions if you have worries or concerns

So why not have a look below at some of the support on offer and start your breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding worries or concerns

Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Many mums wonder if their baby is feeding well and getting enough milk – especially during the first few days. It is important to remember that it can take a while to feel confident about breastfeeding but you are not alone. If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or Health Visiting Service.

You can drop into any of the baby hubs across South Gloucestershire to meet other parents, talk to one of the health visiting team or get support for feeding your baby. Visit the baby hubs Facebook page for a list of South Gloucestershire baby hubs. There is also additional advice available online or from support groups, helplines and websites.

Support groups

Throughout South Gloucestershire there are breastfeeding groups which offer a social and supportive space.   All groups welcome mothers doing any amount of breastfeeding and you can drop in any time. There are also two breastfeeding counsellors who attend the groups most weeks. You are free to drop in at a location that suits you.  Groups welcome siblings, partners, grandparents and friends and offer a drop in environment. If you are expecting, do feel free to go along and have a chat with the group before your breastfeeding journey begins. You do not need to be in need of support, you can join a meeting to meet other mums, share your own experiences and any useful tips.

Breastfeeding Friendly Establishments

If you are breastfeeding your baby when you are out and about, you will probably find that most of the time, nobody even notices. South Gloucestershire Council is committed to making breastfeeding the norm, and aims to create environments that promote, protect and support breastfeeding. 

The ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme’ is supported by many establishments who have committed to being welcoming to breastfeeding mums and families.

Find out more about the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme on our Breastfeeding friendly establishments page.

National breastfeeding helpline

You can contact the helpline for independent, confidential, mother-centred, non-judgmental breastfeeding support and information.

Tel: 0300 100 0122 Lines are open 9.30am to 9.30pm, every day of the year.

There are two videos on the Best Beginnings website aimed at helping new and soon-to-be parents.

Restarting Breastfeeding

You can restart breastfeeding at any point.  The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers information on Restarting breastfeeding after a gap is a good place to begin.

Other helpful information about breastfeeding

The following leaflets give useful advice

Other local support

Bristol Breastfeeding Mummies Facebook page provides information and support for those in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and surrounding areas.  If you would like to find out more and read the posts on this page you can request to join the group.

Donor milk

Some mothers also choose to give their babies donor milk.  Ideally, this is obtained from a milk bank where milk is screened and carefully prepared.  Visit the UKAMB website for more information.  The Precious Drops Milk Bank at Southmead Hospital in Bristol is one of the 15 UK milk banks and the only one in the South West.

What extra support for breastfeeding is available and how to get it

Barnardo’s co-ordinates the South Gloucestershire breastfeeding support service which is commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council Public Health. We offer a free service to local families and provide:

• Regular breastfeeding support groups

• One to one online sessions with trained infant feeding practitioners.

• A non-judgmental friendly team and a safe, supportive space

• Assistance with any feeding questions or challenges you might have.

• Help finding further specialist support should you need it.

• Language translators on request.

This service is available Mon-Fri. To book your video call or to view available time slots, please visit the website: families.barnardos.org.uk/services/infant-feeding  or scan the QR code below.

In case of technical difficulties where contact with an administrator is required you can call/text 07593 685617 or email GIFT@barnardos.org.uk Please note this email/number is not for feeding support.