Free support events for families this World Breastfeeding Week
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) by raising awareness of the support available to families across Northamptonshire and inviting parents to attend local events.
Emma Goulding, Infant Feeding Clinical Team Lead at NHFT, said: "World Breastfeeding Week is an important opportunity to celebrate breastfeeding, recognise the experiences of local families and raise awareness of the support available across Northamptonshire.
"Breastfeeding can provide many benefits for both babies and parents, helping to give babies the best start in life. However, every family's feeding journey is unique. While some parents find breastfeeding straightforward, others may experience challenges and need additional support, reassurance or practical advice along the way"
NHFT's specialist Infant Feeding Team provides personalised support to families across Northamptonshire, helping parents feel informed, confident and supported throughout their feeding journey.
The Trust's Infant Feeding Team is proud to hold UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Gold accreditation, the highest level of recognition available through the Baby Friendly Initiative. This accreditation recognises the team's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based infant feeding support and ensuring families have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about feeding their baby.
The Infant Feeding Team includes two Infant Feeding Leads who are International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), an Infant Feeding Health Visitor and Infant Feeding Advisors. Together, they provide specialist support, face-to-face appointments and ongoing advice for families.
Whether families are preparing for a baby's arrival, learning to breastfeed, overcoming feeding challenges or simply looking for reassurance, the team is available to help.
As part of World Breastfeeding Week, families are invited to attend a number of local events.
Feeding Fridays
Date and time: Friday 7 August, 10am-12pm
Location: Corby Family Hub, Exeter Primary School, Brayford Avenue, Corby, NN18 8DL
Booking: No booking required
Feeding Fridays is a drop-in group for expectant parents and families with babies up to 12 months old who have any feeding questions or concerns, whether they are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combination feeding.
The Infant Feeding Team will be available to answer questions and offer support. Toys, activities and refreshments will be provided and older siblings are welcome. A peer supporter from Milk&You and a member of the Family Hubs Team will also be attending.
Daventry Walk and Picnic in the Park
Come and join the Family Hub team and the Specialist Infant Feeding team for a fun family picnic and buggy walk.
There will be activities for your little ones and specialist practitioners to chat with if you have any questions or advice around feeding or wish to share or discuss your own feeding journey.
The session will bring families together, offering opportunities to play, make new friends, connect with local services, and enjoy quality time together in the community.
Date and time: Thursday 6 August, 10.30am - 12.30 pm
Location: Daventry Leisure Centre, Daventry, NN11 4FP
Booking: Reserve your spot here
Picnic in the Park to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week
Come and join the Family Hub team and the Specialist Infant Feeding team for a fun family picnic and buggy walk.
There will be activities for your little ones and specialist practitioners to chat with if you have any questions or advice around feeding or wish to share or discuss your own feeding journey.
The session will bring families together, offering opportunities to play, make new friends, connect with local services, and enjoy quality time together in the community.
Date and time: Friday 7 August, 11am-1pm
Location: Towcester Family Hub, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6AD
Booking: Reserve your spot here
Families looking for support with infant feeding can contact the Infant Feeding Team on 07795 110109 (Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm) or email [email protected].
Further information about NHFT's Infant Feeding Team and the support available can be found at: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/0-19/