World Breastfeeding Week 2025
1st – 7th August
Breastfeeding Information and Support in Blackpool
Whatever stage of parenting you’re at, there’s lots of support and advice available to help you on your breastfeeding journey. Starting from pregnancy onwards, local drop-ins, groups, parenting classes and helplines can help you and your partner to feel more confident.
Support comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose what’s most comfortable for you and your family – whether that’s chatting face-to-face or having a listening ear on the phone in the middle of the night!
Here are some ways to help make it a happier, healthier experience for you and your little one.
And just remember, you’re smashing it!
Have you heard of Baby Steps?
Baby Steps is a great place to start! The FREE sessions are available to expectant mums, partners and carers living in a Blackpool postcode to help you to prepare for your new arrival and support your early parenting journey after baby arrives.
In Blackpool, Baby Steps provides an opportunity to meet other parents-to-be, as well as professionals who can answer questions about your baby’s development, your pregnancy, caring for your baby and infant feeding. You’ll start attending from around the 28th week of pregnancy. There are six weekly sessions before baby is born and three sessions once baby has arrived.
You can attend face-to-face or online sessions at various times during the day.
Ask your midwife about session start dates or email: bfwh.babysteps@nhs.net
“I’m pregnant and planning to breastfeed. Where can I find out more information to help me prepare?”
It can be overwhelming but don’t worry, we’ve got you! HENRY Blackpool has workshops you can attend for FREE on how to prepare to feed your baby. It’s a chance to meet other families, ask questions and learn more about breastfeeding.
Henry offers practical and emotional support, however you are feeding your baby. You can contact them Monday – Friday / 9am – 5pm on 01253 746788 or email blackpool@henry.org.uk, the team also do home visits.
“I don’t want to get my boob out in public!”
Breastfeeding for the first time in public can feel overwhelming, especially when you and your baby are just working things out. We understand! It’s so important you feel comfortable and confident when you are feeding your baby. Which is why many Blackpool food premises have signed-up to the Junior Healthier Choices Award, to make sure you have peace of mind.
Cafes, restaurants etc will display the Junior Healthier Choices Award logo. These places are proud to help give your little one the best start in life—and to make feeding your baby just that little bit easier. Take a look at breastfeeding friendly places here.
“As a mum who breastfed her baby, even though she is all grown up now…when I see mums breastfeeding in public I give them a smile or a nod as a sign of support and acknowledge what they are doing.” Blackpool Mum, Vicky
Did up know some of the benefits of breastfeeding are…
– It helps protect babies from infections and illnesses like tummy bugs, ear infections and chest infections.
– It supports brain development and healthy growth.
– It is always ready, the right temperature, and adapts to your baby’s needs.
– It’s also free and has no packaging, making it better for the environment.
– breastfeeding can reduce the risk of some long-term conditions, like breast and ovarian cancer.
“I don’t know anyone else that is breastfeeding, and I’m feeling lonely.”
HENRY Bears is a weekly group you can go to for FREE. This stay and play group is a chance to meet other families with new babies. Feeding support is available, if you want. So bring a new mum friend along however you are feeding this group is for all! 👶
“The texts and calls in between each meeting encouraged me to continue breastfeeding and I was able to get accurate information and emotional support along my breastfeeding journey.” Blackpool Mum
“How often should my baby poo?”
You aren’t expected to know everything and be able to do it all!
It is always best to talk through anything that you are thinking with either your midwife, health visitor, Infant feeding practitioner or pop into your local Family Hub to get the support you need.
We are here for you – just remember you’re smashing it!
Our friendly Community Connectors are always here for you if you’d like some extra support.
Just some of the ways we can help:
- Letting you know where you can get breastfeeding support.
- Helping you find a local group to attend (and even going along with you if need some moral support!)
- Signposting you to activities in the community and services you can access in Blackpool
Meet our Community Connectors here and get in touch 🧡
“At the first group I went to I was super nervous but was greeted by Ellen who was just so welcoming and understanding around my worries around breastfeeding. Ellen has been messaging me within the week of the HENRY sessions just checking in which I feel has massively impacted my breastfeeding journey for the better, ensuring that I had support, especially when I had a few bumps along the way which meant I felt the confidence to carry on breastfeeding. I couldn’t thank HENRY enough for being there when I needed help and support.”
“I can’t afford a breast pump!”
Is this how you are feeling or know someone that might be in this position? You can access Blackpool’s breast pump loan scheme for free – taking away the financial worry of having to buy one whilst getting the advice and support to use it in the right way for you and your baby.
“Because I have been able to continue feeding him my own milk it has stopped me developing post-natal depression. It’s meant that I didn’t have the financial struggle as pumps are not cheap.” Blackpool Mum
“How can I include my partner in our breastfeeding journey?”
Are you a dad-to-be? The Dads Place is a safe space where you can access support from pregnancy to when your little one is 2 years old. No need to book, just drop in. Click here for the times and dates.
Attend Baby Steps with your partner. You’ll have a chance to ask about ‘all things baby’, whilst meeting other parents.
HENRY Blackpool offers a FREE ‘Preparing to Feed My Baby Workshop’ which is free for Blackpool parents/carers. During the 2-hour workshop you’ll explore breastfeeding.
It’s the middle of the night and you’re feeding your baby but you’re not sure if the position is right…
Did you know the Anya app can support you with 3D breastfeeding animations, visual guidance on latching, baby holding, hunger cues and more? You can download the app and access its premium service for FREE if you are a Blackpool resident.
Anya provides 24/7 pregnancy, feeding and parenting support on your phone!
Use this link to download the app and start your premium access for free today.