A significant milestone in maternal health has been achieved with the government’s extension of the National Breastfeeding Support Helpline to a full 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This crucial expansion ensures that parenting resources are now continuously available, providing free, evidence-based information and compassionate guidance to families navigating the often-challenging journey of infant feeding.
Establishing breastfeeding can be a complex process, with many new mothers facing anxieties about their baby’s intake and overall feeding success, particularly in the initial post-birth period. The round-the-clock availability of expert breastfeeding support aims to alleviate these common concerns, offering immediate access to professional advice and reassurance precisely when it’s most needed.
The efficacy of this vital service is underscored by impressive statistics. The Breastfeeding Network, which co-operates the helpline alongside the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, reports that a remarkable 89 percent of callers experience increased confidence to continue breastfeeding after engaging with the helpline’s compassionate and well-informed advisors.
Catherine Hine, chief executive of The Breastfeeding Network, emphasized the broader impact of the helpline, noting, “While some callers seek help for a wider range of infant feeding challenges, we know that almost nine in 10 (89 per cent) of callers are more confident to continue breastfeeding after contacting the helpline.” This highlights the profound positive influence of accessible, expert parenting resources.
Minister for and families, Janet Daby, echoed this sentiment, stating that extending the helpline’s operational hours for 2025/26 represents “just one part of a much bigger effort to transform how families are supported.” This strategic move reflects a deeper commitment to comprehensive family wellness and robust government initiatives aimed at strengthening early years support.
This decisive action forms a key component of wider reforms designed to enhance family services across the nation, bolstered by substantial government funding totaling £126 million. This significant investment is specifically earmarked to support the ambitious Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, creating integrated support systems for parents from pregnancy through early childhood.
Further reinforcing these commitments, Minister Daby added, “We’ve provided extra funding for local infant feeding services through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, where parents can access drop-in sessions for practical and emotional support.” This multi-faceted approach aims to weave a stronger safety net for new parents, ensuring crucial assistance is readily available.
In a parallel development earlier this month, the government also announced plans to establish a Best Start family hub in every local authority in England by April 2026. This extensive rollout, backed by an additional £500 million, is strategically targeted at supporting disadvantaged communities, underscoring a holistic approach to promoting family wellness and early child development.
Collectively, these government initiatives represent a significant advancement in public health policy, ensuring that essential breastfeeding support and broader parenting resources are readily accessible. The sustained investment aims to empower new mothers, foster successful infant feeding practices, and cultivate a supportive environment for family wellness across the country.
