East Kent Infant Feeding Information
Information for parents from the Infant Feeding Team
This leaflet has been written to provide support on finding the following.
Information on learning more about infant feeding before your baby arrives.
Local feeding support services.
Clear and trusted information about infant feeding.
East Kent Hospitals
During your pregnancy and when your baby arrives, maternity staff will care for you and your baby. Maternity staff include midwives and support workers.
We also have an Infant Feeding team. The team includes infant feeding support workers and lactation consultants. This team works on the wards during the daytime on most days. We also have infant feeding support workers in the community, who work part-time. They may be available to support your midwife with your care.
Ready for Baby: classes during pregnancy
Kent Community Health Foundation Trust run a course called Ready for Baby.
Sessions are based on UNICEF Baby Friendly information, and led by trained NHS staff and volunteers. Find out how to:
build a close relationship with your baby;
feed your baby responsively, however you choose to feed them; and
know when feeding is going well
Beside You Kent and local support groups
Beside You Kent is here to support families on their breastfeeding journey, you will find:
details of local support groups, both face to face and virtual;
details of how to get support via telephone and text;
trusted NHS information; and
real-life experiences from local families.
Kent Community Health Foundation Trust: Specialist Infant Feeding team
Most feeding problems can be solved with some support and reassurance. However, we know that some people may need more detailed or specialist support to help them in their feeding journey.
The team works with families whose babies are experiencing feeding problems. They provide detailed or specialist support, alongside support from your midwife or health visitor.
A health professional can refer you to the specialist service.
Breast pumps
Breast pumps can be really helpful for supporting or increasing your milk supply.
You may be able to borrow an electric pump if you meet one of the following criteria.
You receive Healthy Start vouchers.
You have had a premature birth.
You have an infant who has difficulty feeding at the breast, due to a health related issue.
You must also be receiving feeding support from a health or social professional or a voluntary organisation.
Useful websites and telephone numbers
Below are some web sites you may find useful. They offer evidence-based information around infant feeding. Please speak to your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns about feeding your baby.
National Breastfeeding Helpline offer independent, confidential, non-judgmental breastfeeding support and information. Call 0300 100 0212, the helpline is open 24 hours a day.
Call the NCT Infant Feeding Line on 0300 330 0700. This line is open every day from 8am to midnight, including Bank Holidays.
NHS information about breastfeeding and expressing breastmilk.
The Breastfeeding Network aims to be an independent source of support and information.
Find evidence based information about formula milks from The First Steps Nutrition Trust.
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. Healthy Start can also provide vitamins to eligible families.
[Web sites last accessed 6 March 2026]
Contact details
The East Kent Hospitals' Infant Feeding Lead welcome queries via email.