Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life and can help reduce the number of babies that are admitted to hospital.
About our breastfeeding service
NHS Birmingham East and North is aiming to increase the number of mothers who start and continue breastfeeding, helping to improve mother and infant health, and also prevent obesity, diabetes and cancer. Services include:
- Health visitors and midwives provide ongoing support
- Local women with breastfeeding experience can become Volunteer Breastfeeding Peer Supporters* (Feeding Friends) in their own community
- All staff in contact with mothers and babies receive training** to provide breastfeeding information and support.
- See also: Our Breastfeeding in Birmingham Facebook group.
Who can use this service?
Breastfeeding information and support is available to all women before and after they give birth registered with a GP in the area. Find out if you are covered by NHS Birmingham East and North. Fathers and grandparents can also access this service.
Where is the service provided?
- Health visitors and midwives provide ongoing support in the home and in health centres and Children’s Centres.
- Many Children’s Centres have mother-to-mother support groups where you can get breastfeeding information and support.
- Volunteer Breastfeeding Peer Supporters (Feeding Friends) are available in some Children’s Centres in Washwood Heath and Hodge Hill.
How to use the service
You can talk to your midwife or health visitor, or visit your local children’s centre, to get breastfeeding support.
You can also get information by visiting www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk or calling the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (open until 10pm).
Further information
* The Trust has invested in the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme. This involves training local women who have breastfeeding experience, to become Volunteer Breastfeeding Peer Supporters (Feeding Friends) in their own community. Feeding Friends provide breastfeeding information and support.
** NHS Birmingham East and North is implementing the UNICEF Baby Friendly best practice standards and has been awarded stage 1 of the accreditation process.
Comments and complaints
You can add your own comment below, or contact us direct with your views. We value all feedback. Alternatively:
- Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for advice on NHS services
- Contact our Complaints team if you feel strongly about a particular issue
