Welcome to Newham Infant Feeding Support
Becoming a mum is an incredible journey, but it can also bring challenges- especially when it comes to feeding your little one. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding or introducing solids, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Working together with local infant feeding teams, Health Visiting and Midwifery teams, Children's centers, and other Volunteer/ Charity organisations to ensure all parents can access the support they need - Our free Infant Feeding Peer Support Service is designed specifically for new mums, mums of children up to age 2 and their families.
Led by trained and experienced local mothers, we offer information, encouragement, and a safe space to share your experiences. Whether you're seeking information or simply a friendly chat, you're not alone on this journey.
Stay Connected with Our Community
Join our growing community of parents and carers on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to get the latest updates, tips, events, and support – all in one place. It’s a great way to stay in touch, ask questions, and connect on your feeding and parenting journey.
Just head to our Linktree at linktr.ee/newham.infantfeedingsupport or scan the QR code opposite to join us!
Become a Infant Feeding Peer Support Volunteer!
Share your infant feeding experience and make a real difference for new mums here in Newham. Join our peer support volunteer team, receive full training and help other mums feel confident and supported on their feeding journey.
Helplines
Want to speak with someone? Find the support you need with our infant feeding helplines
Types of support available across the borough
Peer support
Trained and accredited by individual organisations (sometimes college accredited). Peers are mothers who have (usually) breastfed themselves, and wish to support others.
Also known as Peer Counsellor, Mother Supporter, Helper, Breastfeeding Buddy etc.
Breastfeeding Counsellor (BFC)
Trained and accredited by individual organisations (sometimes university accredited). BFCs are mothers with lived experience of breastfeeding. They have extensive in-depth counselling skills and infant feeding knowledge having studied for an average of 2 years. Breastfeeding Counsellors can support parents with complex infant feeding issues.
Also known as Breastfeeding Supporter (BfN), Breastfeeding Leader (LLL).
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
IBCLC is the only internationally recognised professional breastfeeding qualification. IBCLCs are usually health professionals and accredited BFCs who have undertaken advanced lactation education and have extensive clinical experience.
Sometimes shortened to Lactation Consultant.
NHS Infant Feeding Advisor
Employed by the NHS to provide infant feeding support in the community, usually within the health visiting team. Infant feeding advisors are all trained to support mothers with feeding. They have done extra training through UNICEF and have a passion for infant feeding. Some have undertaken further training and all are supported by the Infant feeding lead.