Breastfeeding support
Feeding your baby
Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. We have lots of guidance to support you, along with hints and tips from other parents.
There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial it is to breastfeed your baby. Breast milk is perfectly made to give your baby everything they need.
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to learn. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough milk, especially in the first few days. But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.
Here are some useful breastfeeding guides:
If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor or join a local breastfeeding support group.
Breastfeeding clubs
Breastfeeding clubs offer support for like-minded breastfeeding women and those who are providing breast milk. The clubs also welcome mums to be who would like to gain more information about breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Welcome Here venues in Derby
We are working with local businesses across the city to showcase our Breastfeeding Welcome Here venues. Our goal is to create a city where families feel welcome to feed their babies and feel confident to breastfeed for as long as they choose.
Breastfeeding has lifelong health benefits for both mother and baby. If your business signs up to become a Breastfeeding Welcome Here venue, you will be contributing to bettering the health of people in Derby.
Watch this video to find out how businesses can make their premises welcome for mothers and families.
Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life
The Breastfeeding Friend, a digital tool from Start for Life, offers practical information and advice on breastfeeding.
Get answers to questions asked by new mums, and tips on things like sore nipples and what to do if your baby cries during feeds.
The Breastfeeding Friend is available on Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger.
Breastfeeding support videos
Here are some breastfeeding support videos from Derby families.
Launch of breastfeeding week
A promotional video celebrating Start for Life Derby and the breastfeeding support programme.
Breastfeeding in public
The Infant Feeding Team and Derby families share their experiences of breastfeeding in public.
Breastfeeding clubs
Derby families talk about their experiences of attending one of our breastfeeding clubs.
The NHS has more support on breastfeeding in Derby.
Tips and advice from families
Families across Derby share what helped or supported their breastfeeding journeys.
When a feeding journey gets challenging: Mastitis
Sara-Beth shares her story of how she continued breastfeeding through mastitis.
The NHS has more support and advice on mastitis.
Perinatal mental health
Emily shares her story of breastfeeding through a hospital admission with anxiety and postnatal depression.
Further information and support for perinatal mental health:
Contacts for support
ChatHealth
To contact your health visitor or the Infant Feeding Team, please send a text to the ChatHealth service on 07507 327754.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212. Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day.