Infant feeding in Richmond

Read more about this page below
UNICEF BFI 1.png

Our infant feeding support services provide mothers with evidence based information to support families to achieve their infant feeding goals. We provide information and support on breastfeeding and maximising breastmilk as well as also supporting parents who choose bottle feeding and/or using commercial infant formula by providing information on choosing milks, making up feeds and helping families to feed safely and responsively. 

Our Health Visiting team are all trained using the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Standards and we are proudly accredited as a UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Service.

Our infant feeding service is available for all families who live in Richmond Upon Thames borough.

CLCH Richmond Health visiting offer: 

  • Breastfeeding drop in groups
  • Drop in Well baby clinics and
  • 1-1 Specialist Infant feeding clinic (appointment only)

For our Drop-in services there is no need to book, just drop in. Please note that these groups do not run on bank holidays.

Wherever you are on your breastfeeding journey (exclusive/mixed/expressed) and regardless of your baby’s age, come along for practical, moral & social support to a breastfeeding drop-in group. Our Well baby drop-ins offer an opportunity for parents and carers to weigh their baby and speak with a member of the Health Visiting Team about any concerns. 

Your Health Visiting Team are available for advice:

Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Telephone: 0330 058 1679 or email: clcht.0-19wandsworthandrichmondadmin@nhs.net

Tuesday  

Well Baby
Drop-in

2:00pm to 3:30pm
Ham Library,
Ham St, Richmond,
TW10 7HR

Wednesday

Breastfeeding Group Drop-in
2:00pm to 3:30pm
Richmond Library Annex,
Quadrant Rd,
TW9 1DH

Well Baby Drop-in
2:00pm to 3:30pm
Richmond Library Annex,
TW9 1DH

Thursday

APPOINTMENT ONLY
Specialist 1to1 Infant feeding Clinic
9:15am to1:00pm
Referrals from Health Care Professionals only
after first line support received.

 
Friday

Well Baby Drop-in
10:00am to 11:30pm
Whitton Library, Twickenham,
TW2 7BB

*Born at Kingston ONLY
up to 6wks age
:
Breastfeeding Support
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cornerstone Church,
234a Canbury Park Rd,
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 6LE
M: 07385949049
e: khft.infantfeedingteam@nhs.net

Saturday

*Born At West Middlesex ONLY
Up to 6wks age:

Infant feeding Support
10:00am to 12:00pm
Day Assessment Unit,
Queen Mary Maternity Unit,
West Middlesex University Hospital,
Twickenham Rd,
TW7 6AF

chelwest.infantfeedingteam.wmuh@nhs.net

 

General information and advice:

Out of hours support and helplines:

National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212, 24 hours, every day

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Helpline: 0300 330 0771, 8:00am to Midnight, every day

La Leche League: 0345 120 2918, 8:00am to 11:00pm, every day

Clinics subject to change at short notice

*Services have no affiliation to CLCH and CLCH claims no responsibility for services offered at these sites

5 tips for returning to work.jpg

You don’t need to stop breastfeeding just because you’re returning to study or work. Many women find ways to continue breastfeeding their baby – and employers have certain obligations towards breastfeeding women.

Tips for breastfeeding in public.jpg

For more information please visit the NHS guidance on breastfeeding in public and breastfeeding while out and about on the Maternity action website.

Children’s centres are places where all families with children under 5 years, expectant mothers and fathers, can go to help their children to get the best start in life. Please click here to see what sessions are available near you.

A member of the Health Visitor Team will visit you at home between 10-14 days following the birth of your baby. Sometimes additional visits may be offered if required. A further contact will be arranged when your baby is 6 weeks old.

The health visitor will let you know about the child health clinics, breastfeeding support groups and children's centres activities and other baby groups and sessions in your area. They will also complete a breastfeeding assessment form with you, a copy of which can be found here.

Introducing solid foods to your baby can be an exciting but also daunting time. Your health visiting team is available to help you with advice and discuss any concerns you may have. Call the duty line on 0330 058 1679 or visit a Well Baby and Child Health Clinic.

For health reasons, we recommend that babies are fed solely on breast milk or infant formula for the first six months.

Here are some helpful resources to support you and your baby with introduction to solid foods:

Safer sleep for babies resources:

You can download the Basis app where you can find further information on safe sleeping practices for you and your baby.

You can also download The Baby Check app by The Lullaby Trust which features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness and further information regarding safer sleeping practices.

CLCH have produced a video about normal sleep and how to promote sleep in the antenatal period as well as the postnatal period, up to the first six months.

Infant crying is normal and it will stop.

A baby’s cry can be upsetting and frustrating. It is designed to get your attention and you may be worried that something is wrong with your baby. Your baby may start to cry more frequently at about 2 weeks of age. The crying may get more frequent and last longer during the next few weeks, hitting a peak at about 6 to 8 weeks. Every baby is different, but after about 8 weeks, babies start to cry less and less each week.

If you are doing any breastfeeding, we encourage you to do responsive breastfeeding. This means offering your baby the breast when they are distressed, fractious, or appears lonely and when they show signs of hunger (see more information including pictures of hunger cues under the “Additional Breastfeeding information” tab). Breastfeeding can also help settle your crying baby after an immunisation, if your baby is unwell or to reassure them in an unfamiliar environment.

  • Responsiveness will not spoil babies.

Some additional calming techniques you can try:

  • Talk calmly, hum or sing to your baby  
  • Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
  • Hold them close – skin to skin
  • Go for a walk outside with your baby
  • Give them a warm bath

These techniques may not always work. It may take a combination or more than one attempt to soothe your baby.

For more information, advice and support see:

Remember – if you are concerned that your baby may be unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111 (go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111- the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In an emergency, ring 999.

Healthy Start

Please check the NHS Healthy Start website to see if you are eligible to receive free vitamins and money to buy healthy foods and milk. You could be eligible to receive £4.25 per week during pregnancy and continued payments until your child is 4. Visit the NHS Healthy Start website to find out more.

If you are eligible for Healthy Start you can collect your free Healthy Start Vitamins at Wandsworth Children Centres (bring your Healthy Start Card):

Accessibility tools