Supporting breastfeeding during COVID-19 at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Posted: 5 June 2020

This National Breastfeeding Celebration week (1-7 June 2020), the theme is supporting breastfeeding during COVID-19.

During these challenging times our midwifery and health visiting services are working together to ensure women continue to receive the support they need to breastfeed their new baby.

Our breastfeeding clinic is available twice a week in the maternity unit for mothers with breastfeeding challenges and a virtual breastfeeding clinic is offering video call appointments with health visiting staff.

Heidi Beddall, Head of Midwifery & Gynaecology Outpatient Lead at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Breastfeeding support for new mothers is always essential, but especially at a time when social distancing recommendations impact on the support available from extended family and friends.

“At Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust we are committed to ensuring that all women receive high quality care, advice and information to enable successful establishment and sustainment of breastfeeding and a positive experience.” 

If you would like to find out more about breastfeeding, you can call 07798 520830 to speak with one of our Infant Feeding Coordinators.

Midwives and health visitors are continuing to offer individual support to women, either in person, by telephone or video call.

You can find out more about infant feeding on our Birth Choices website here.

Various services are accessible nationally to offer support, advice and information, for example:

• Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
• National Breastfeeding Helpline
• UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative