Across Devon we have support groups running to help with information and support for any breastfeeding enquiries. 

A breastfeeding support group is generally open once a week and set out with toys for babies and accompanying toddlers where refreshments are available and all pregnant or breastfeeding mums are welcome to drop in at any time during opening hours. 

The groups are friendly and welcoming and no appointment is necessary. Supporters and health professionals are also welcome.

Support group drop-ins may be facilitated by midwives, health visitors, peer supporters, childrens centre staff, nursery nurses, lactation consultants or breastfeeding counsellors from the voluntary breastfeeding organisations. 

Many have peer supporters on hand and some operate their own peer supporter training programmes in partnership with Integrated Childrens Services.  

Locations vary from church halls and community centres to a TESCO cafe! 

Help is available on all aspects of breastfeeding and its impact on daily life - from starting to stopping and all the variations in between. Local groups will also be able to give information on where breastfeeding is welcome in your local community when you are out and about with your baby.

In a relaxed, informal atmosphere mothers can:

• Tap into the wealth of literature available
• Chat to other mums and discover you and your baby are quite normal
• And hopefully get a decent cup of coffee/tea/juice. 
  

Click the link to view details of the current support groups across Devon:

Breastfeeding support groups across Devon (April 2012)

Plymouth Latch On support groups (April 2012)

Plymouth Latch On Support Website

Breastfeeding helplines:

• Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM)

Ring the counselling helpline to speak to one of ABM`s fully trained breastfeeding counsellors for breastfeeding support and information.

ABM Helpline - 08444 122 949

• The Breastfeeding Network (BfN)

BfN Supportline - 0300 100 0210

The BfN supportline is run by BfN registered breastfeeding supporters. Supporters are mums, who have breastfed their own babies and who have received intensive training in breastfeeding. They work on a voluntary basis and are based in their own homes.

BfN Supportline in Bengali/Sylheti - 0300 456 2421

Breastfeeding Support in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi - 07501 466 817

• La Leche League GB (LLL)

LLL Telephone Helpline - 0845 120 2918

• National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

For practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood including help with feeding.

 NCT helpline - 0300 330 0700

National Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 100 0212

The National Breastfeeding Helpline is run in collaboration between the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. The project is funded by the Department of Health. Calls are diverted to the nearest ABM or BfN volunteer.

• The Multiple Births Foundation (MBF)

Hammersmith House Level 4, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS

T: 020 3313 3519

F: 0208 383 3041

E: mbf@imperial.nhs.uk

Please also see the Breastfeeding information page.

For more information please ring you local group contact or Health visiting team.