Infant feeding and breastfeeding support

Some people and babies might need extra help with breastfeeding and maintaining lactation. The infant feeding leads in maternity units provide specialist breastfeeding support.

If you are still under midwifery care, you should contact your midwife using the number you were given when you left the hospital.

If your baby is over 14 days old, you should speak with your health visitor.

You can read more about infant feeding support.

Breastfeeding support

Birmingham Forward Steps (for 0 to 5 year olds)

Birmingham Forward Steps has created a list of resources for breastfeeding support. These include:

• virtual support and advice through Zoom
• contacts for breastfeeding support and information
• information on the Birmingham breastfeeding scheme
• breastfeeding-friendly establishments
• breastfeeding lounges

You can read Birmingham Forward Steps' list of resources for breastfeeding support.

Children's services: Infant Feeding team

The Infant Feeding team dedicated to supporting and promoting breastfeeding and safe formula feeding practices.

You can read more about the support the Infant Feeding team offer on their website.

Breastfeeding lounges

Birmingham Forward Steps' breastfeeding lounges provide you with information during your pregnancy.

Once your baby is born, you will continue to have access to the groups for ongoing support and encouragement to breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish.

Free breastfeeding support

There is free support about breastfeeding across Birmingham. This map shows the free support available throughout the area and is updated monthly.

NHS support

Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Trust

The infant feeding team at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Trust supports all mothers, babies, and their families who use their services in their infant feeding choices. For more support on breastfeeding you can learn more on the NHS Start for Life Breastfeeding web page.

They aim to achieve the best outcome for the health and wellbeing of your baby by:

• building close and loving relationships
• helping you with responsive baby feeding

Sandwell and West Midlands NHS Trust

The Sandwell and West Midlands NHS Trust is an accredited UNICEF Baby Friendly Trust. This means their staff and services are designed to support your feeding journey.

Their infant feeding team can give you information and support over the phone or arrange to see you face-to-face.

Other support

Milk Mates

Milk Mates has groups led by fully trained infant feeding peer supporters.

These postnatal groups offer support with all types of infant feeding and are a lovely space to meet and hang out with other parents.

They can support you and help you feel confident with your feeding choices.

UK National Breastfeeding Helpline

The UK National Breastfeeding Helpline is a helpline which offers breastfeeding support and information.

This helpline is run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

The volunteers you will speak to are mums who have breastfed and been trained to support breastfeeding.

Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA)

CLAPA support, connect and empower everyone affected by cleft in the UK.

You can shop for supplies and benefit from support services and events.

You can read more about support for cleft palate feeding.

Page last updated: 14 December 2023