Celebrating International Breastfeeding Week 2025

This week is International Breastfeeding Week (1 to 7 August), a global campaign to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and the support that families need to get off to a good start.

At Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), we’re proud to support parents across our communities through our Infant Feeding Teams, Health Visitors, and a dedicated group of trained breastfeeding volunteers.

To mark the week, we spoke with one of our amazing breastfeeding team volunteer Emma, who shared her personal journey and why she’s so passionate about giving back.

What made you volunteer?

When my second son was born, he had tongue-tie and feeding hurt. Iman and the Merton team showed me what to do, and I breastfed until he was one. I wanted to give something back, so I trained as a peer supporter. Every drop-in reminds me how important this help is.

What do you do at the drop-ins?

“I offer a friendly ear, practical tips and evidence-based info. Parents say the calm space helps them relax and ask the questions they’re worried about.

A moment that sticks with you?

One mum’s nine-week-old finally latched without pain after we adjusted her position. She left smiling, saying it was her first pain-free feed.

Thinking of volunteering?

Go for it! I’ve been doing this for nearly two years and it’s so rewarding to know you’re helping mums and babies.

See a health visitor in action, watch our short Day in the life of a health visitor video by clicking the video below: