Getting the right support and information in the first few days after giving birth can help get breastfeeding off to a good start. 

Southampton NCT branch have two qualified breastfeeding counsellors who you can talk to on the phone or come to see at the weekly Breastfeeding Drop-In session.

Breastfeeding Counsellors

Our breastfeeding counsellors can offer support and information on any aspect of breastfeeding, including the hire of breast pumps.

Nicole - 07843 928631

Joanna - 01489 699007

NCT National Breastfeeding Helpline

The NCT national breastfeeding enquiry line is manned by trained breastfeeding counsellors on hand to help you. 0300 330 0771 (8am - 10pm, 7 days a week)

Breastfeeding Drop-In

Our qualified Breastfeeding counsellors run a breastfeeding support group for new and expectant mums providing information, friendship and support.
Every Tuesday 10am-12pm
Botley Hop-a-long Children's Centre, Botley Church of England Primary school, 53 High Street, Botley, SO30 2EA

Breast Buddies

Support from other breastfeeding mothers can also be important.  Southampton NCT runs a Breast Buddies session every month for breastfeeding support at Ikea in Southampton city centre.

This provides a mum-to-mum support group for all breastfeeding mums. If you are new to breastfeeding, come along & get some tips from experienced mums. If you are already breastfeeding, come along for a drink & a natter with like-minded mums. For more information, contact sotonbreastfeedingsocial@nct.org.uk

Breast Buddies - Ikea

First Wednesday of the month, 10.30 - 11.30am
Ikea cafe, West Quay Retail Park, Southampton, SO15 1GY
Find us near the round play areas. Look out for our white NCT balloons.

See below for more useful contacts for breastfeeding support.

Breastfeeding Babes - Princess Anne hospital

Breastfeeding Babes offers help and advice to breastfeeding parents whilst in hospital and after you've gone home
Open Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm
Drop in or phone. No appointment necessary. 07786 267584
Room 22, Broadlands Birth centre

Other organisations:

La Leche League Great Britain  www.laleche.org.uk  0845 120 2918 (24 hour line)

Breastfeeding Networks Supporterline 0844 412 4664 (9.30am - 9.30pm)

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 0844 412 2949 (9.30am - 10.30pm)

National Breastfeeding Helpline 0844 20 909 20

Breast Pump Hire

Electric pumps can be hired from branch pump holders. In the early days, you might want to use a breast pump to help breastfeed premature or sick babies, to continue breastfeeding your baby if he can't feed from you or to overcome a breastfeeding difficulty. As your baby gets older, breast pumps can be useful for continuing breastfeeding after you return to work.

For more information or to hire a breast pump contact Nicole at carpenter_nj@msn.com or on 07843 928631.

Alternatively, breast pumps can be purchased through the NCT on 0845 8100 100 or www.nctshop.co.uk

Bra Fitting Service

Need a comfortable bra for breastfeeding?
The NCT's award winning breastfeeding bras come in a range of styles and sizes from 32-44, A to K.
To make an appointment for a fitting, contact one of our qualified bra-fitters:
Debbie on 07889 059833 debbie@coders.co.uk

It is usually best to be fitted for bras at around 34-38 weeks of pregnancy.
Alternatively, call the NCT Sales orderline on 0870 112 1120 for a catalogue or see www.nctsales.co.uk

If you'd like any information or support with breastfeeding, call our local Breastfeeding Counsellors (see top for details).