Where to find face to face breastfeeding help in the UK

Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding parts of early motherhood, but it can also bring challenges you might not expect. While online advice is helpful, sometimes you just need to talk to someone in person: every breastfeeding journey is unique and it's important to feel seen, heard, and supported by people who understand.

Here are some great ways to find face-to-face help across the UK.

1. NHS breastfeeding drop-in clinics

Most NHS trusts run regular breastfeeding drop-ins or baby feeding clinics. These are free sessions with midwives, health visitors, or infant feeding specialists where you can get latch help, weight checks, and reassurance.

How to find them:  “NHS breastfeeding drop in” + your town, or check your local NHS trust website.

2. Lactation consultants (IBCLCs)

IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) are highly trained breastfeeding specialists who can provide one-to-one help at home or in a clinic. They support families with challenges such as latch difficulties, nipple pain, low supply, oversupply, or complex medical issues.
How to find them: Search the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain directory or ask your health visitor, GP, or local support group for a recommendation.

3. Baby cafés and community feeding groups

Baby cafés are relaxed spaces where trained breastfeeding counsellors are on hand, and you can chat with other parents over a hot drink. Some are run by charities, others by local councils or children’s centres.
How to find them: Check your local council’s family services page.

4. La Leche League GB meetings

La Leche League offers free or low-cost group meetings across the UK. These are led by trained volunteer leaders who have breastfed themselves and can offer practical tips and emotional support.
How to find them: Visit La Leche League GB and click on “Find a Group.”

5. NCT breastfeeding drop-ins

The National Childbirth Trust runs breastfeeding support groups in many areas, often with an NCT-trained counsellor present.
How to find them: Search NCT local activities and filter by “breastfeeding support.”

6. Peer supporter groups and WhatsApp communities

Many towns have informal breastfeeding support WhatsApp or Facebook groups run by local mums or peer supporters. These can be a lifeline for quick meet-ups or moral support in the middle of a tricky day.
How to find them: Ask at your children’s centre, library, or postnatal exercise class — word of mouth is often the fastest way in.

7. Children’s centres and family hubs

These centres often host feeding support sessions alongside weigh-ins or playgroups, so you can get help while baby enjoys some social time.
How to find them: Visit your local council website and search “children’s centre” or “family hub.”

8. Specialist clinics for tongue tie or feeding difficulties

If you suspect a tongue tie or ongoing feeding problem, some NHS trusts and private lactation consultants run specialist clinics where assessment and treatment can be done in one visit.
How to find them: Ask your health visitor, GP, or local infant feeding team.

Useful links for face to face breastfeeding support in the UK

• NHS Breastfeeding Help and Support – Find local drop-ins and NHS resources
  
• Lactation Consultants of Great Britain directory
• La Leche League GB – Find a group meeting and contact volunteer leaders
• NCT Baby Café - a free drop-in, led by an NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, which any parent or expectant parent can come along to for support with feeding your baby. NCT offers other support services. 
• Association of Breastfeeding Mothers – Find trained breastfeeding counsellors and local groups