| Local Breastfeeding Groups, and other forms of Breastfeeding Support
If you would like to talk to a breastfeeding counsellor you may like to contact one of the organisations listed below.
The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) BfN have a phoneline 0300 100 0210 and the facility to access information on medications in breastmilk. Additionally, the BfN have a Bengali / Sylheti Supporterline number:0300 456 2421 * The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) Phoneline
020 7813 1481
* La Leche League GB (LLLGB) 0845 120 2918 * The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Phoneline for breastfeeding support
0300 33 00 771
* The Multiple Births Foundation * There is also now a National Breastfeeding Helpline, staffed by the ABM and the BfN - they may be reached on 0300 100 0212 .
Local Blackpool and North Lancs Breastfeeding drop in centres:
Fylde Coast Groups List last updated SEPT 2011 * Lancaster & Morecambe Groups List last updated OCT 2011
Call in to any of the local groups for a warm welcome. Meet up with other local mums, and get information and support from health professionals and breastfeeding peer supporters (mothers who are trained and registered with a breastfeeding organisation). The groups are free to attend and welcome everyone interested in breastfeeding support.
Breastfeeding Peer Supporters on the wards at Blackpool Vic & the Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Throroughly trained, experienced peer supporters from the voluntary sector known as Star Buddies, work on the postnatal ward and in the neonatal units at the hospitals within our area. They wear bright green tops with the words "Breastfeeding? Ask Me" written on them and won't be easily missed! They are there to help support new Mums and answer any questions you may have.
Community Peer Support
Additionally there is a network of Star Buddies outside the hospitals, who can usually offer additional support by phone, email, text message, face-to-face at groups, or in your home. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to ask the local Star Buddy coordinator what support is currently available for you from volunteer Star Buddies.
Blackpool, Fleetwood and Morecambe have structured "Star Buddies" breastfeeding peer support programmes accessed by signing up in hospital or self-referral through your MW or HV. The Star Buddies provide one-to-one information, support and assistance for Mums through pregnancy and the early weeks of your baby's life, via home visit, phone, email and text support. In other areas of North Lancashire, voluntary sector "Star Buddies" breastfeeding peer support can be accessed via referral from your MW or HV or via calling the National Breastfeeding Helpline from your landline (so that calls are taken by a local volunteer). They are skilled in phone support, and will be based in their own homes. |
