Breastfeeding Islington

30/03/2026

Our drop-in groups will be closed over the Easter period and will resume as normal from Tuesday 7th April. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can reach them on 0300 100 0212 for support and information related to breastfeeding.

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

11/03/2026

Today is No Smoking Day, an annual health awareness day in the United Kingdom, which is intended to help smokers who want to quit smoking 🚭
It is best for your health and your baby’s health if you don't smoke.
But if you're finding it hard to stop, you don't need to stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding still provides important protection for your baby, even if you smoke.
You can read more, here:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/smoking/
As part of Safer Sleep Week, it’s also important to know that if you or your partner smoke, you should not bedshare with your baby, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Find safer sleep information here:
Baby Sleep Info Source - Basis
www.basisonline.org.uk/
Best Start in Life
http://www.nhs.uk/.../newbo.../safe-sleep-advice-for-babies/
You can find services to help you quit smoking, here:
http://www.nhs.uk/.../nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you.../
✨Please share this post to help spread awareness✨
[ID: Smoking and Breastfeeding. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets. Background image of a cigarette being snapped in half.]

10/03/2026

Safer Sleep Week💤
Today we're sharing information from Baby Sleep Info Source - Basis on Breastfeeding and Sleep Safety 💜
In the early days, when you may be breastfeeding overnight, you may lie down to feed and fall asleep, even if you don't intend to bed-share.
So it is important to think about how to make your bed as safe as possible for your baby in advance.
⚠️Always follow the usual safe sleep guidance, and DO NOT co-sleep if you (or your partner) have been drinking, smoking, or taking drugs or medication that may make you sleepy.
You can find more information on sleep, including SIDS, safety guidance, breastfeeding, and sleep disruption, on the BASIS website:
www.basisonline.org.uk/
✨Please share to help us raise awareness✨
[ID 1: Basis. Baby Sleep Info Source. Breastfeeding & Sleep Safety. . 9th-15th March]
[ID 2: Babies breastfed for two months or more have a 50% lower chance of SIDS - with the protection offered by breastfeeding persisting until at least the baby is six months of age.]
[ID 3: Even if you don’t intend to bed-share, the chances are that if you are breastfeeding you will lie down at night to feed your baby and you may accidentally fall asleep. So it’s useful to think about how to make your bed as safe as possible for your baby BEFORE this happens.]
[ID 4: Follow the usual safe sleep guide to not co-sleep if: you or you partner smoke, you’ve drunk any alcohol, you’ve taken any drugs, or medication that may make you drowsy, your baby was born prematurely or very small.]
[ID 5: Baby should be on a clear flat surface – not propped up on any pillows or covers. These should also be kept away from their head. There should be no gaps between the mattress and the wall or headboard that your baby could get trapped in. Ideally, there should be no children, pets or unaware adults in the bed with you and your baby. If there are others in the bed, position yourself between your baby and them.]
[ID 6: Most breastfeeding mothers naturally sleep facing their baby with knees drawn up under baby’s feet and arm above baby’s head. This protects your baby from moving down under the covers or up under the pillow.]⚠️

23/02/2026

Ramadan Mubarak!

During Ramadan you may be wondering what the implications are for you if you're breastfeeding. Your body will continue to produce breastmilk for your baby, even if you choose to fast during the day, but if your baby is under 6 months or either of you have any health issues it may be recommended to avoid fasting completely. The Quran does exempt you from fasting whenever you're breastfeeding - instead, you can make up the fast at another time, or alternatively you may be able to pay fidyah (feed a person in need).

If you do choose to fast, some mums find that it helps to change the order of the day around, so that you are resting more in the day and resuming other activities in the evening (although of course this may not always be possible), and listen to your body and your baby to see if you need to take a break.

Talk to your midwife, health visitor or our breastfeeding supporters on 020 3316 8439 or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212, if you'd like support with whether fasting might affect your breastfeeding.

09/02/2026

Looking for a spot to go for a walk in nature, dog friendly, comfort food in the form of cheese and ham toastie, pancakes, waffles or just a good cup of coffee? Then look no further! The Tolpuddle cafe is situated in the heart of Caledonian Park next to the play area so ideal if you have an older child. There are public toilets with nappy changing facilities.

06/02/2026

If you're using any formula, please give this important info a read 👇👇👇

And of course, we're here to help if you have any breastfeeding or breastmilk supply issues alongside - just get in touch on 020 3316 8439 or whh-tr.IslingtonBreastfeedingPeerSupport@nhs.net. The National Breastfeeding Helpline are open throughout the weekend too on 0300 100 0212.

We understand that recent infant formula recalls may be causing worry for parents and carers. Our information page explains which products are affected and what you should do.

Batches from brands including Aptamil, Cow & Gate and SMA have been recalled. If you have formula at home, check the batch code as affected products may still be in your cupboard.

If you have an affected batch:

- Stop using it
- Return it to the store for a replacement
- You can switch to another batch or brand
- If formula was prescribed, speak to a pharmacist or doctor first

For a full list of affected batches and more information on infant formula recalls: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/infant-formula-recalls

27/01/2026

Here's a handy reminder if you do any expressing...

How to safely store your breastmilk 🥛

Today, we’re sharing our helpful table showing how to safely store your breastmilk.

Did you know?
Breastmilk can be transported within the safe storage times, as long as storage temperatures are maintained. However, previously frozen milk should be used immediately once fully defrosted.

You can find more information on storing breastmilk on our website, including:

✨ Travelling with your breastmilk
✨ Freezing your breastmilk
✨ Reheating your breastmilk
✨ Variations in recommendations

👉 www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/continuing-the-breastfeeding-journey/expressing-and-storing-breastmilk/

✨ Save this post (or screenshot the image) to keep it handy for when you need it ✨

[ID: Safe Storage Table - Milk. Place. Maximum Time. Fresh Breastmilk including colostrum. Room temperature. 6 hours. Fridge at 5°C-10°C. 3 days. Fridge at 4°C or lower. 5 days. If temperature rises above 4°C after 3 days then use within 6 hours. Frozen breastmilk. Freezer at-18°C or lower. 6 months. Defrosting breastmilk. When defrosting in the fridge. Usually takes 12 hours to defrost, use as soon as fully defrosted. When defrosting outside the fridge. Use as soon as full defrosted.]

20/01/2026

Rain forecast for the next couple of days. Looking for a breastfeeding friendly place & somewhere to keep kids entertained? Sandscape is a lovely space to do both! Serving light snacks and hot drinks. Located 99 Stroud Green Road.

20/01/2026

Have you seen this sticker when out and about? Venues all over Islington are signed up to the ‘We Welcome Breastfeeding’ scheme. Share your favourite venues with us using

07/01/2026

Tell us what feeding support's been like for you...

Will you road test our new survey for us? Use this link to tell us about your overall experience of feeding your child in Islington, whoever's been supporting you: https://www.oc-meridian.com/WhittingtonHealth/survey/BabyorChildFeedingSupportOverallexperiencesurvey

We'd love to hear your comments on what it's like to fill in, as well as your answers to the questions themselves, so we can make sure it's as easy as possible!

If you'd like to share feedback about a specific single contact with anyone who's offered you information or support with feeding in Islington, you can do so on this shorter form instead - or as well! https://www.oc-meridian.com/WhittingtonHealth/survey/InfantFeedingSingleContact

05/01/2026

Check your batch numbers if this is a product you're using...

The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure, Nestlé is voluntarily recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.