Beside You Kent

Beside You Kent Beside You is here to support, advocate and celebrate breastfeeding in Kent Beside You is here to support, advocate and celebrate breastfeeding in Kent.

We have a website with lots of information about breastfeeding and an interactive map to pinpoint support available in your area of Kent.

Happy Valentine's Day! Oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone', plays a crucial role in the production of breast milk....
14/02/2026

Happy Valentine's Day! Oxytocin, often called the 'love hormone', plays a crucial role in the production of breast milk.

Prolactin and oxytocin are a dynamic duo that work together to regulate breastfeeding. Both hormones originate in your brain and perform unique functions. Picture yourself as a delivery business – you need customers (orders) and a delivery person (supply) to thrive.

Prolactin sends signals to your body to start producing breast milk, and production begins as soon as your placenta is delivered after birth. The more your baby suckles, the more prolactin is produced – your baby is placing their milk order!

Then, oxytocin steps in to 'deliver' the milk from your breasts to your baby, a process known as the ‘let-down reflex’. It also enhances feelings of love and nurturing behaviour, boosting your mood and providing that wonderful feel-good factor.

Together, prolactin and oxytocin ensure a steady milk supply and strengthen the incredible bond between mother and baby. What a beautiful way to celebrate the power of love and connection!

13/02/2026

Today is Galentine's Day, a heartwarming celebration dedicated to the incredible bond of female friendships. It's a beautiful reminder of how essential our friends and family are in creating a supportive network that uplifts and empowers us. Whether it's a shoulder to lean on or a cheerleader in times of triumph, these relationships enrich our lives in countless ways.

If you're looking for ways your loved ones can provide support, we have valuable resources on our webpages. 🌸💕

12/02/2026

Can't make it to an in-person group?
We've got you covered👇

Join our Wednesday Online Drop-in session tomorrow from 12:30pm-2:00pm. Register here for the zoom link www.nct.org.uk/kentonline

12/02/2026

Hear from Kent Mum's Xaveria, Chelsey and Rachael about their experience of breastfeeding a toddler, what a useful parenting tool it can be, how to balance alongside solids and more.

11/02/2026

In the early days, those night-time feeds can feel exhausting and overwhelming.

It’s completely normal to feel tired and a little out of sync as you both find your rhythm.

You might wonder if switching to formula will help your baby sleep longer, but there’s no strong evidence that it does. In fact, introducing formula can sometimes affect your milk supply, so it’s something to think about if you’re breastfeeding.

Take each night as it comes and be kind to yourself. You’re doing an amazing job, even when it feels tough. If you need support, reach out—whether to family, friends or a health professional. And remember, looking after yourself matters too.

Reminder: always take care of yourself. The days can fly by when you're caring for your little one. It's easy to get swe...
10/02/2026

Reminder: always take care of yourself.

The days can fly by when you're caring for your little one. It's easy to get swept up in all the love and attention they need, but please remember that your well-being is just as important. You deserve to be cared for too.

So, keep that drink bottle full and stay hydrated. Make sure you're nourishing yourself with food that fills your tummy and gives you energy. And whenever you can, sneak in those little moments for yourself—whether it's a hobby you enjoy or simply a few quiet moments to breathe.

You are doing an incredible job, and taking care of yourself is a vital part of that.❤️

09/02/2026

There are lots of ways your partner can support you while spending time with your baby and develop their relationship together.

⭐Try to make sure the baby care is shared
⭐Join in with skin-to-skin and cuddles
⭐Bathing, nappy changes or getting them ready for bed
⭐Baby-wearing
⭐Playing, reading or talking to baby
⭐Supporting and advocating for their feeding journey

Following recent recalls of some infant formula because of possible contamination, we want to reassure parents that it i...
09/02/2026

Following recent recalls of some infant formula because of possible contamination, we want to reassure parents that it is safe to move to another brand. There is no evidence that changing formulas causes harm. The Food Standards Agency has issued several food alerts since Monday, 5 January 2026 about formula milks contaminated with, or possibly contaminated with, the toxin cereulide, which can cause food poisoning.
If you are worried that the formula you use might be affected, please check the Food Standards Agency website for the latest recall information.
If you need more help, please speak with your health visitor, midwife or GP.

One of the benefits of breastfeeding is you won’t need anything to get you started. You might need things like bottles, ...
08/02/2026

One of the benefits of breastfeeding is you won’t need anything to get you started. You might need things like bottles, sterilisers and formula milk at some point, but they aren’t necessary for every breastfeeding journey so there’s no need to buy them ‘just in case’ before your baby arrives.

Buying things as and when you might need them will save you spending on things you may never use.

The most important thing for many on their breastfeeding journey is to know where they can get support, do check out our virtual map in the comments to find free, drop in support local to you.

During the initial weeks of breastfeeding, as your body adjusts to the new routine and figures out the right amount of m...
07/02/2026

During the initial weeks of breastfeeding, as your body adjusts to the new routine and figures out the right amount of milk to produce, you might experience some milk leakage, especially when your baby cries. A gentle yet firm press of the heel of your hand on your breast can help manage the flow.

To keep your clothes dry and comfortable, consider using breast pads. You have the choice between disposable or reusable options, both of which can be very effective.

It's also perfectly normal for some people to never experience leakage, even in the early days. This is absolutely fine and doesn't indicate any issues with your milk supply, especially if feeding is going smoothly.

Did you know that breast milk is released through four to twenty ductal openings in the ni**le? The number of openings c...
06/02/2026

Did you know that breast milk is released through four to twenty ductal openings in the ni**le?
The number of openings can vary from person to person or even between a person's right or left breast!

Ramadan is a special and spiritually uplifting time when many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for around 29 to 30 da...
05/02/2026

Ramadan is a special and spiritually uplifting time when many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for around 29 to 30 days. If you’re breastfeeding, Islamic law gives flexibility. You can choose to fast, make up the fast later, or, as some scholars suggest, contribute by feeding those in need. When deciding whether to fast, think about your baby’s age and feeding needs.

Under six months: If your baby relies fully on breast milk, it’s usually recommended to delay fasting.
Over one year: If your toddler eats a variety of foods and nurses less often, fasting may feel more manageable.

Always listen to your body and your baby’s cues and seek advice if you’re unsure.

Always listen to your body and your baby’s cues.

Find more information at https://breastfeeding.support/breastfeeding-during-ramadan/ or seek advice if you're unsure.

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