Infant Feeding Support

Supporting parents and training peer mentors in Barking and Dagenham.

The UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world.

As few as 1% of new babies are fed exclusively on breast milk for their first six months.

† As recommended by the World Health Organisation.

The health benefits of breastfeeding are many.

Research has shown that breastfed babies are better protected from infections and diarrhoea, have a lower mortality rate from SIDS and NEC, and are less likely to develop misaligned teeth. And these benefits continue into adulthood—research has shown breastfeeding is likely to lower rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. There’s even some evidence of adults who were breastfed performing better in intelligence tests. The mother benefits too, with lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)01024-7/fulltext

LifeLine Projects

In partnership with Mind, we're working to support more new mothers with breastfeeding, in both the first six months and beyond.

A local support network

Trained peer supporters from the local community are on hand to help mothers discuss, share and learn together.

Antenatal sessions

A space to deliver key information and show expectant families what to expect, delivered online and in-person.

Informal support groups

Regular sessions held around the borough where families can share experiences and meet with trained peer supporters.

One-to-one support

More direct support is available for families in need of further help, online or in-person.

Looking for support?

Pregnant and want to know more about breastfeeding?

Our drop-in sessions offer a safe and non-judgemental space where we can answer any questions you might have about infant feeding.

Light refreshments available.
Got a toddler? Bring them along to our stay-and-play!

Come and join us—for more info, get in touch:

Want to support others?

Interested in sharing your knowledge and experiences?

If you’re looking to give something back to your community, this is your chance to become one of our infant feeding peer supporters.

Full training is provided and expenses are covered.

Find us here!

Mondays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Friday

The research really highlights the importance of work like this—the vast majority of families are missing out on significant benefits to their health and wellbeing, even into adulthood. And let us not forget the wider benefits too⁠—improving health and wellbeing reduces demand on our health and care system and releases more public money to other areas of need.

This particular area of work is somewhat nostalgic, both for LifeLine and for me personally⁠—ten years ago, we were running a similar programme and I’m delighted that we are once again working hard to equip local mothers and their families with the means to give their children a better future.

Nathan Singleton
CEO, LifeLine Projects

Recent updates about Infant Feeding Support

The power of mentoring: a personal reflection

Most of us have had someone who helped shape who we are today. For me, that person was my mentor. Mentors can be family members, friends, or colleagues, yet they often go unnoticed—true unsung heroes in our lives. National Mentoring Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of both mentors and mentees. It’s also a great reminder to reflect...

3 weeks ago

 by Nathan Singleton

polling station poster on clear glass door

Speak up. Be heard.

With the general election fast approaching, I’ve been thinking about how the political process works. Politicians from each party share their ideas and plans with us, and then we go to the polling station, mark our choice on a piece of paper, and… that’s it.

5 months ago

 by Nathan Singleton

LifeLine joins consortium supporting young people through flagship MyEnds programme

We're proud to announce that we'll be further supporting young people in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham as part of the Winning Harts consortium, funded as part of the Mayor of London's £14.5m investment in local communities through the MyEnds programme. Led by the West Ham United Foundation, and working alongside Youth League UK, Be Heard as One,...

6 months ago

 by LifeLine Comms Team

Case Study: Infant Feeding Support

In partnership with Havering Mind, our Infant Feeding Support team are supporting new mothers in Barking and Dagenham to take up breastfeeding by building a local support network, holding regular meet-ups and support sessions for new mothers, and providing targeted guidance and support to those in need.

8 months ago

 by LifeLine Comms Team

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