B.A.B.I.E.S (Babies And Breastfeeding, Information, Encouragement, Support) provides free breastfeeding support and help to all new mothers in the Winchester and District area.  Held in a modern and comfortable environment, support is provided from trained NCT breastfeeding counsellors.

B.A.B.I.E.S. meets every Wednesday morning between 9.30am and 12.00pm at the Lanterns Children's Centre on Bereweeke Road. It is not necessary to make an appointment, just turn up!  If you need to bring other children with you, of course they are welcome.

Our counsellors are fully trained and updated. They are not medically qualified, so please take any medical questions to your health professional.

Funding Crisis

An Awards for All Lottery grant supported the service from May 2007 until May 2008.  Since then NCT fundraising activities, personal donations and a donation from Lanterns have ensured its survival.  We're pleased to say that most of the mothers that use the service have been generous enough to donate towards the costs involved and these donations have been used to purchase more breastfeeding pillows, leaflets etc.  If you feel able to donate, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/winchesterbabies.

B.A.B.I.E.S. Fundraising: Winchester Summer Fete 2011

A team of parents supported by B.A.B.I.E.S. ran the now annual B.A.B.I.E.S. Fundraiser on Sunday 10th July at Winchester Rugby Club.  The event raised over £5,000!  B.A.B.I.E.S. is looking for volunteers to help with this event in 2012.  Please email buggypush@winchester-nct.org.uk for more information.

Service User Survey

Our 2010 survey had an excellent response rate. 100% of the respondents would recommend the service.  The NCT Winchester Branch newsletter will feature more information about the survey results

Claire said "I think BABIES is essential to support mum's who want to breastfeed. I was determined to breastfeed but the first 8 weeks or so were extremely hard to deal with. The support from BABIES and others were a real "life-saver" in terms of providing support to carry on. Meeting other mums in the same boat was also fantastic."