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:

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.