Breastfeeding Network Portsmouth

19/11/2025

This International Men’s Day, we’re celebrating the importance of supportive partners in a mother’s breastfeeding journey 💜

It’s a myth that breastfeeding stops dads from bonding with their baby. There are so many meaningful ways to connect - from skin-to-skin and cuddles, to playtime and reading stories.

As well as supporting mums, it’s equally important that dads feel informed and confident. Encouraging partners to learn about breastfeeding can make a huge difference for both mum and family.

Our information is a great starting point:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/

✨ Tag a dad who may find this helpful✨

[ID: 19th November. Mothers feel more confident breastfeeding when their partners, are supportive and actively involved in their breastfeeding journey. . Polaroid photos of families.]

19/11/2025

We had a fabulous morning at today’s North MATS (Multiagency Locality Network) meeting in Cosham, bringing together a wide range of professionals from across Portsmouth who support children and families.

We will be at the South & Central MATS on Tuesday 25th November 2025 at The Hope Church & Centre (previously The Kings Church) in Southsea from 9:30am - 11:30am.

These events are open to all professionals across the city who would like to know more about what services and support are available for families over the Winter, with Family Hubs updates and information, HAF updates and information and Guest Speakers discussing their services.

The more we connect, the stronger our support network becomes 💪

18/11/2025

❗IMPORTANT❗- Our Antenatal sessions at Hayling Library will not be running in December and January, so if you are are pregnant and want to find out more about breastfeeding book on to our last session of the year!

📆 Wednesday 26th November 2025
⌚6-7pm
📍Hayling Island Library, Elm Grove, PO11 9EE

BOOK HERE: https://forms.office.com/e/9hJuTm9ikx?origin=lprLink

17/11/2025

We are deeply saddened to hear of your passing, Lara. The news has left us with heavy hearts, as your warmth, determination, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of meeting you.

Your commitment to supporting others and creating positive change shone brightly, and the legacy of your work will continue to live on. It was truly a privilege to work alongside you ✨️

Everyone at Portsmouth Breastfeeding Network extends our heartfelt sympathy to your family and friends, and the huge community whose lives you touched so beautifully.

May you rest peacefully, knowing the strength of the impact you made and how dearly you will be remembered 🌻

17/11/2025

17/11/2025

We are at Portsmouth Maternity Centre every Monday 11:30am-1pm and Saturday 10am-12pm too!

💜

17/11/2025

We are at Milton Park Family Hub every Monday from 11:30am-12:30pm. See you there 💜

15/11/2025

🟣 BfN Groups in Portsmouth, week commencing 17th November.
🟣 Come and join us at our drop in groups across the city and online, for peer support, friendship, empathy, meeting other families, and breastfeeding support and information.
🟣 For our Wednesday Online 1:1 Breastfeeding Support please book your slot using the Eventbrite Link in the details below- Book by 5pm on Tuesday.
🟣 For one to one support via Zoom please email us with a brief outline of your questions or concerns and the first half of your postcode and our team will aim to reply within 48 hours 📧bfnsouthcoast@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

📆 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲
📍Milton Family Hub, Perth Road, Milton, Portsmouth PO4 8EU
⏰11:30am-12:30pm (Immediately after Home-Start Portsmouth Stay and Play)

📍Portsmouth Maternity Centre, Milton Rd, Milton, Portsmouth PO3 6AD
⏰11:30am-1:00pm

📆 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲
📍Northern Parade Family Hub, Doyle Avenue, Hilsea, Portsmouth PO2 9NE
⏰10:00am-11:30am

📆 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲
💻Wednesday Online 1:1 Breastfeeding Support
⏰Two 30 min slots available weekly, please book your slot using the link below. Book by 5pm on Tuesday.
⏰09:30am-10am / 10am-10:30am.
🔗https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesday-online-11-breastfeeding-network-support-tickets-1673437048259

📍 The Parenting Network, The Bridge Hub, The Bridge Centre, Fratton, Portsmouth PO1 1SD
⏰ 12pm-1:30pm

📍Paulsgrove Family Hub, Cheltenham Rd, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth PO6 3PL
⏰12:45pm-2:15pm

📆 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲
📍Somerstown Family Hub, Omega Street, Somerstown, Portsmouth PO5 4LP
⏰09:30am-11:00am (Alongside Home-Start Portsmouth Stay and Play)

📆 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲
📍Buckland Family Hub, Turner Rd, Buckland, Portsmouth, PO1 4PN
⏰10:00am-11:30am (Alongside Home-Start Portsmouth Stay and Play)

📆 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲
📍Portsmouth Maternity Centre, Milton Rd, Milton, Portsmouth PO3 6AD
⏰10:00am-12:00pm

⚠️Our support is variable to change, please check back for any amendments.
Our groups run weekly during term time and keep an eye out on our socials for dates in the school holidays

National Breastfeeding Helpline UK is also available 24/7 365 days a year
📞 0300 100 0212 and via social media messaging 💬

14/11/2025

🌍 World Diabetes Day

Diabetes affects how your body controls blood sugar levels, leading to levels that are higher than normal. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

💙 Did you know?
Mothers who breastfeed, and their children, have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
(Source: UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative)

If you have diabetes, you can still breastfeed.

Insulin (used in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes) and metformin (used in Type 2) are safe while breastfeeding.

Some other diabetes medications may also be suitable, with careful monitoring and advice from your healthcare team.

Our Diabetes and Breastfeeding factsheet covers the three main types of diabetes – including symptoms, treatments and safe bedsharing with diabetes.

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/diabetes/

If you have diabetes and are breastfeeding (or planning to), or you develop diabetes during your pregnancy, your GP or midwife can help you find what’s right for you and your baby. 💕

You can also contact The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service for support via Facebook or email: druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

[ID: World Diabetes Day. 14th November. Research shows that breastfeeding mothers and their children have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Images of a baby breastfeeding and a blue ribbon.]

13/11/2025

This World Kindness Day, we want to remind you that a little kindness goes a long way 💜

Our peer supporters see it every day - a kind word, a shared story, or a moment of understanding can help a parent feel seen, supported, and confident in their feeding journey.

Let’s celebrate the power of kindness today!

You can find our local services and groups here:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/

[ID: World Kindness Day. Image of a BfN peer supporter standing under an umbrella with a mum and baby.]

13/11/2025

We were so lucky to be shown around Portsmouth International Port to discuss how they can best support breastfeeding families. We had some great conversations about the importance normalising breastfeeding in public, and how to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome to feed in the Port ⛴⚓

Thank you so much for having us and for supporting the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme!

To sign your venue up to the Welcome Scheme, please email 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬@𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.𝐨𝐫𝐠.𝐮𝐤

More information can be found here
https://solent-family-assist.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/386

💜