County council highlights extensive support available for families navigating breastfeeding and introducing solids to their babies.
Kent County Council has highlighted the range of infant feeding support available to parents and carers across the county, recognising that many families need guidance when it comes to feeding their babies. The council’s message emphasises that help is available whether families choose to breastfeed or introduce their babies to solids.
The Beside You website serves as a central hub for families seeking support, offering NHS-trusted advice and information about local support services. Parents can find details of breastfeeding drop-in sessions, virtual groups, and real-life experiences shared by local families to help them feel confident in their feeding choices.
Local Support Groups and Services
Kent has numerous breastfeeding support groups operating across different areas. Kent Baby Matters runs a drop-in group in Dartford, staffed by lactation consultants and breastfeeding counsellors. Other organisations providing support include Baby Umbrella, which offers sessions in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells through both in-person and online options, and La Leche League, which provides support across Kent and Medway. Additional groups operate in Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey, Deal, and Canterbury.
These groups typically allow parents to meet others on similar journeys, share experiences, and receive practical guidance on topics including latching techniques, milk supply concerns, and general breastfeeding skills.
Specialist Help When Needed
For families facing more complex feeding challenges, the Specialist Infant Feeding Service offers targeted support. This NHS service assists with issues such as tongue-tie concerns, poor milk supply, slow weight gain, and breast refusal. The team includes accredited lactation consultants and breastfeeding assistant practitioners trained to handle complex feeding difficulties.
Additional Support Available
Parents can access breast pump hire schemes, with some families receiving free handpumps if they hold a Healthy Start card. Home visits from lactation consultants are also available throughout Kent, typically starting from around £100 for an initial consultation.
For parents seeking immediate advice, the National Breastfeeding Helpline operates on 0300 100 0212 daily from 9.30am to 9.30pm, and the National Childbirth Trust helpline is available on 0300 330 0700 between 8am and midnight. Health visiting teams and local children’s centres, which maintain UNICEF accreditation as baby-friendly services, also provide breastfeeding support within communities.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple free and low-cost breastfeeding support groups operate across Kent
- Specialist infant feeding services are available for complex feeding challenges including tongue-tie assessment
- Helplines offering confidential advice are available throughout the year
- Local health visiting teams and children’s centres provide community-based support
What This Means for Kent Residents
Families in Kent seeking infant feeding support should start by visiting the Beside You website or contacting their health visiting team for a personalised referral to services most appropriate to their needs. Whether facing initial breastfeeding questions or dealing with specific feeding difficulties, professional support is readily accessible across the county without cost barriers.
