Where can I get infant feeding support in Stockport?

Written By Eleanor .

The main source of support for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding is the NHS Stockport Infant Feeding Team. The team is a mix of feeding specialists/lactation consultants (NHS staff) and breastfeeding peer supporters (volunteers who have completed a training program with the NHS infant feeding team). The team are friendly, supportive and non-judgemental and are available to provide advice and support to all parents before and after birth.

You can request to see someone from the infant feeding team by asking your midwife or you can attend one of their drop-in sessions (term time only). Sometimes the drop-ins can be quite popular but the team will see anyone who arrives before 11am. The drop-ins are a great way to get help with feeding and to practice breastfeeding in public in a supportive environment.

You may be referred to be seen in clinic by a specialist if there are additional difficulties such as your baby having difficulty gaining weight or if there is a suspected tongue-tie.

Other sources of support:

  • La Leche League Manchester are a non-profit organisation that provides breastfeeding information and support. They run a monthly drop-in session at Cheadle Library in the community room.

  • Lactation consultants are the experts in all things breastfeeding and bottle feeding. They have completed training, exams and have at least 1000 hours of clinical experience before they can be qualified to practice. Ensure that any lactation consultant you hire is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

  • Professionals who have completed breastfeeding peer supporter training or breastfeeding counsellor training. Look for FEDANT (the federation of antenatal educators) accredited providers.

  • As a FEDANT accredited breastfeeding peer supporter and antenatal educator I can provide breastfeeding preparation sessions during your pregnancy and breastfeeding support (such as help with position and attachment) once your baby has been born. Please feel free to contact me any time, I’m always happy to chat if you have any questions.

Eleanor .