It’s #NationalBreastfeedingWeek (27 June – 3 July), and everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breast feed 👶

Supporting breast feeding

Dads, partners and family are a hugely important source of breast feeding support. There are many ways you can get support with breast feeding e.g. Health Visitors, peer supporters, breast feeding cafes, helplines, grandparents, everyone plays a unique role. Why not offer to cook food for the family, or provide childcare for any older children? This helps parents to focus on becoming a family unit. Here are a few more ways you can support someone who is breast feeding:

  • Attend antenatal or breast feeding sessions.
  • Make her comfortable with extra pillows.
  • Bring her some to drink and a snack.
  • Help by being involved in the baby’s care e.g. change their nappy.

Happy baby

A happy baby isn’t just a fed baby. Every cuddle, smile and interaction counts, for you and your baby. Here are some top tips for keeping your little one happy.

  • Sing songs and rhymes with your baby.
  • Talk to your baby about anything and everything.
  • See if your baby can copy you when you stick out your tongue.
  • Try baby massage.

Breast feeding in public

Breast feeding in public may make you feel nervous, but you have a legal right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere. No-one can ask you to leave a public place while you’re breast feeding. Read these top tips below to make you feel more comfortable

  • Fortunately, the majority of people don’t notice.
  • Look out for Breast feeding friendly stickers in windows.
  • If you feel self-conscious, try to remind yourself that you are doing the most natural thing for baby.
  • If you are asked to leave somewhere, you are within your rights to challenge that request.

Breast feeding and work

If you’re returning to work after maternity leave, you might wonder whether you can continue breast feeding your baby. It’s completely possible and many women do it. Here are some tips for breast feeding and going back to work.

  • See if there is an option for you to work flexibly.
  • Try and find childcare close to work so you can breast feed in your breaks.
  • Experiment with mixed feeding – breast feeding at home and expressing milk at work.
  • Your workplace is legally required to provide suitable facilities for you to rest or express (and it shouldn’t be a toilet.)

Our service

We are here to support you with breast feeding and give you any information you need. If you have a question, contact us by calling 0300 330 5777 or email bromh.greenwich0to4@nhs.net. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes, to find out more, visit Privacy | Greenwich 0 to 4.

Find out more on our Breast feeding your baby page.