When it comes to feeding your baby, we understand that it can be challenging at times. There is lots of local advice and information available to support you on your feeding journey.
Breastfeeding self-help
If you have any problems with breastfeeding, it’s important to ask for help from your midwife, health visitor, or infant feeding specialist as soon as possible.
The NHS website also has lots of useful information about some of the most common breastfeeding problems, and tips on how to tackle them.
South Tees Maternity Services
The maternity advice line is available for breastfeeding information and support, or to arrange a visit to the Friarage Maternity Centre for breastfeeding support. You can call the maternity advice line on 01609 763093, 24 hours a day.
The South Tees NHS website also has helpful videos to support with breastfeeding.
South Tees Infant Feeding Team
The Infant Feeding Team offers support with feeding your baby. Send an email with your name, contact details, and a short message to stees.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net and the team will contact you as soon as possible. Please note, the mailbox is only monitored during normal working hours, so the team cannot provide urgent help.
0-19 Infant Feeding Team
The 0-19 Infant Feeding Team is made up of health visitors and nurses who have a special interest in infant feeding. They’ve taken part in additional training to support babies and families with breastfeeding and infant feeding challenges. The team includes staff who are IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants).
Breastfeeding support groups
Breastfeeding support groups are informal drop-in sessions for parents who have questions about breastfeeding, or who simply want to meet others who are breastfeeding.
You’re welcome to go along before you’ve had your baby to see what it’s all about, or any time after your baby is born, for advice, support, or just a chat.
Abingdon Family Hub
Address: Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3JR
Date and time: Thursdays, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Easterside Library and Community Hub
Address: Broughton Avenue, Marton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough, TS4 3PZ
Date and time: Mondays, 11am to 12:30pm
Middlesbrough Sports Village
Advice on infant feeding issues including breastfeeding. Contact your Health Visitor for an appointment.
Address: Alan Peacock Way, Middlesbrough, TS4 3AE
Date and time: Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm
Childrens Health Service App
The Childrens Health Service App includes a live health chat feature, as well as advice and links to websites which help with child and family health.
Other support
You can also get support from:
- National Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 100 0212 – open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day
- NCT Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 330 0700 (option 1) – open 8am to midnight every day, including bank holidays
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
If you choose to feed your baby with formula, you can build a strong bond with your little one through skin-to-skin contact and recognising hunger cues. Unicef offers information about how to safely prepare formula, and tips for getting off to a good start with bottle feeding.