Breastfeeding support and further information

Contact the Infant feeding team
Breastfeeding peer support for new mums in hospital
Complex feeding clinic
Contact your community team for support from 8am-4pm
Postnatal ward - 01923 217839 (24 hours)
Infant feeding answerphone - 01923 436007
National breastfeeding helpline - 0300 100 0212 - 9.30am to 9.30pm, every day of the year.

Breastfeeding peer support

At Watford, we have a dozen highly trained breastfeeding peer support volunteers. These ladies have undergone a rigorous 3 month training programme so that they can assist you at the start of your breastfeeding journey. Based on Katherine Ward, they will visit at various times during your stay and can help with any simple issues around positioning and attachment. This will give you the confidence and reassurance your feeding is going well.

They will refer you to other staff if a more complex issue is identified. Other volunteers are also available to help you with your baby, for example holding your baby while you enjoy a shower. They all wear bright blue t-shirts, so look out for them on the ward!

Complex feeding clinic

If you are experiencing challenges with breastfeeding, the infant feeding team have a weekly complex breastfeeding clinic. Ask your community midwife to refer you or leave a message on the Infant feeding team answerphone 01923 436007 for a call back Monday - Friday, usually within 24 hours.