Breastfeeding Information and Support

Breastfeeding Groups

We have a number of breastfeeding groups in Grampian facilitated by breastfeeding peer supporters. To find your local group, click here to view the groups on our interactive map or e-mail gram.breastfeedingsupport@nhs.scot 

 

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Babies cry for many reasons. They are hardwired to cry whenever they need a parent to help them. This is because their brains have yet to develop the circuits that allow for self-control or understanding. Crying is meant to be upsetting for a parent. Crying is Nature’s way of making sure they pay attention quickly.

A cry might signal many things, discomfort and startle are common examples. Sometimes, babies cry for no reason at all and sometimes they cry and just cannot be settled. This may be upsetting for both baby and parent, but it causes no harm and will eventually stop.

Please don’t be scared to take a break. As long as the baby is fed, their nappy changed, lay them down in a safe space and take a break.

For more information to support you through this time, visit Parents - ICON Cope

CRY-SIS National Help Line: 08451 228669 Lines open 7 days a week, 9am-10pm

Remember – if you are concerned that your baby may be unwell, contact your GP or NHS 24 (go to nhs24.scot or call 111- the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In an emergency, ring 999

 

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Support for Breastfeeding Families

 
Your midwife, health visitor/family nurse will provide you with breastfeeding support and information suited to your needs.
 
NHSG Antenatal Patient Facing Feeding Support
 
NHSG Postnatal Patient Facing Feeding Support

Breastfeeding Peer Support


As well as the support provided by your health professionals, NHS Grampian offers a Breastfeeding Peer Support Service.


Our volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters have all breastfed their own child(ren) and have undertaken a training programme to provide you with support to meet your personal breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be. Our breastfeeding peer supporter can also provide information and support to those supporting you, whether that is your partner, parents or others who play a significant role in your life.


Near Me


Whether you are pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding or your baby has arrived, our Midwives, Health Visitor/Family Nurse, Breastfeeding

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Peer Supporters and the Infant Feeding Team can offer one to one support with breastfeeding using NHS Near Me Video consulting.

To use this service you need access to a device which has a camera and a microphone. The device should be able to access mobile data / WiFi. It uses a similar amount of data to Skype/Facetime. Don’t let the thought of the camera put you off. Although it can be helpful to see your child attaching to the breast, you can turn your camera on and off. Similarly, you can turn your microphone on and off. There is also a ‘chat’ function where you can exchange messages up to 200 characters.


Speak to your Midwife, Health Visitor/Family Nurse to arrange the appropriate level of Health Care Professional Support required. Our Breastfeeding Peer Support Service also offers NHS Near Me support. To find out more or to make an appointment with a local breastfeeding peer supporter, e-mail gram.breastfeedingsupport@nhs.scot 

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Support in the Community

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Our breastfeeding peer support volunteers are able to provide 1:1 support in the community.
 
This may be in a local cafe, park or going for a walk together.
 
Meeting with a peer supporter in the community can be useful before or after your baby arrives – perhaps you have questions about breastfeeding or aren’t sure about how you will feed your baby? Or you want to build your confidence feeding out and/or another member of your support network. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.
 
To arrange to meet with your local breastfeeding peer supporter, e-mail gram.breastfeedingsupport@nhs.scot
 

Facebook support

 
Private Facebook groups are a tool to obtain breastfeeding support. When the member of the group creates a post, it can only be seen by the members of that group. 
 
Our Breastfeed Grampian Support group is facilitated by trained breastfeeding supporters from the NHS or third sector organisations.
 

NHS Grampian Phone Support for Breastfeeding

 
Telephone information and support is available from your midwife or health visitor/family nurse.

National Breastfeeding Helpline

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The National Breastfeeding Helpline provides independent, confidential, mother-centred, non-judgmental breastfeeding support and information. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
 

0300 100 0212

 
They also have a web chat service and can provide breastfeeding support using Facebook and Instagram messaging from the National Breastfeeding Helpline social media pages from 9.30am - 9.30pm. More details can be found at www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk
 
Additional Support
 
You can seek additional support from a number of sources:
 
Telephone helplines
  • NCT Infant Feeding Line
    0300 330 0700 (8am to midnight)

  • La Leche League helpline
    0345 120 2918 (9am - 11pm)
     
  • Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
    0300 330 5453 (9.30am to 10.30pm)
Useful websites
Breastpump Hire
NHS Grampian is not responsible for the content of external websites and their inclusion does not represent an endorsement.
 

Feedback

 
Feedback is essential to help us ensure that the information and support offered by NHS Grampian supports you to meet your personal feeding goals.
 
You can let us know your experiences of using our services by contacting our Feedback Service.
 
If you have used our breastfeeding peer support service and wish to provide feedback please complete this online form.
 
Published: 09/06/2025 10:31