Infant Feeding

Infant Feeding Support in St Helens

We are committed to promoting the Best Start in Life for all St Helens babies and children, this includes providing a healthy start when choosing how to feed your baby. There is lots of support both before, during and after pregnancy to support your infant feeding journey. Services who can provide infant feeding advice and support in the first 2 years of babies' lives include the Infant Feeding Team at Whiston Hospital, Wirral Community Health and Care 0-19 Service, St Helens Family Hubs and St Helens Wellbeing Community Infant Feeding Team. As well as Change Grow Live (CGL), Parents in Mind and BABS (Building Attachment and Bonds Service).

Family Friendly Venues

The St Helens Family Friendly Pledge is a commitment made by local venues and services to create a welcoming and supportive environment for families.

It recognises the rights of all parents and carers to care for and feed their baby or child in a way that feels comfortable to them, in an environment where they are welcomed and respected.

View our Family Friendly Venues here.

Introduction to St Helens Wellbeing Infant Feeding Team

Feeding your baby - we're here for you

Whether you're pregnant and thinking about feeding, currently breastfeeding, combination feeding or bottle feeding - our friendly and knowledgeable Infant Feeding Team is here to support you every step of the way.

We offer compassionate, non-judgemental support with:

●      Antenatal infant feeding education

●      Breastfeeding and chest feeding support

●      Expressing and mixed feeding

●      Bottle feeding and responsive feeding

●      Introducing solid foods

●      Common challenges like sore nipples, low milk supply, or latch concerns
 

You don't have to be struggling to contact us - we're here for reassurance, questions, or just a chat.

Who we are: St Helens Wellbeing Infant Feeding Team

Our team is made up of trained Infant Feeding Support Workers, all specialists in feeding and relationship building in the early days of parenting.  The team also includes Infant Feeding Practitioners and an IBCLC, who offer expert support for more complex situations such as tongue-tie, painful feeding, slow weight gain, or re-lactation. We work closely with midwives, health visitors, and Family Hubs across St Helens.

You'll usually hear from us after you're discharged from hospital - but you can also get in touch with us directly at any time.

How to contact us

Call or text us: 07919 305 174
Email us: chcp.ift@nhs.net

Open 7 days a week

●      Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm

●      Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am - 4pm
 

Where you can find us

We offer a mix of phone calls, clinic & home visits, and support groups across the borough. Our drop-ins and groups are relaxed, welcoming spaces where you can feed your baby, meet other parents, and get one-to-one support if needed.

Monday
 Lowe House
 Clinic - by appointment only

Tuesday
 Sutton Family Hub
 Breastfeeding Support Group: 10.30am-11:30am

Wednesday
 Sutton Family Hub
 Specialist Infant Feeding Clinic - by appointment only

Thursday
 Central Link Family Hub
 Breastfeeding Support Group: 9.30am-11am

Friday
Parr Children's Centre
 Drop-in Clinic: 9:30am-11am

Why choose us?

✅ Free, friendly, expert support
✅ Open 7 days a week
✅ Face-to-face and phone support
✅ Welcoming spaces for parents
✅ 24/7 virtual support with the Anya app
✅ No need to struggle - early support can make all the difference

If you're not sure whether to get in touch - please do. No question is too small, and there's no pressure to feed in any particular way. We're here to support you and your baby, however your feeding journey looks.

Helpful resources

Looking for trusted information and practical tips?

Explore our St Helens Infant Feeding Padlet, packed with short videos, guides, and useful links on all aspects of infant feeding - from preparing to feed to introducing solid foods.

Visit our Infant Feeding Padlet

Support any time, day or night - try the Anya app

St Helens families can also access free 24/7 virtual infant feeding support through the Anya app.

●      Chat with Anya AI for instant, evidence-based answers

●      Watch short videos or read information on feeding, expressing, and feeding challenges

●      Connect with other parents and experts in the app community

It's free for St Helens parents - just register with your postcode:
anya.health/sthelens