Breastfeeding Network Portsmouth

25/03/2026

Breastfeeding through mastitis...we all hope to avoid it but it comes for some of us 😏

Most of all, we want to reassure you to:
✅ feed/pump as normal;
✅ rest where you can;
✅ use cold compresses to relieve discomfort;
✅ take pain relief if you need it (usually ibuprofen); and
❎ avoid heat or firm pressure.
Your GP can advise on whether a specific case of mastitis is bacterial and therefore requires antibiotics.

We have information on mastitis on our website: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/.../mastitis.../

For feeding support through mastitis, reach our colleagues at the National Breastfeeding Helpline UK; and for any questions around prescribed antibiotics or treatments, pop us a message to see if we can provide any additional information to help

24/03/2026

We sat in a room full of magic this morning 💜 Thank you for having us Maternity Services at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

What an incredible morning bringing birthworkers and midwives together to talk honestly, dream boldly, and re‑imagine what truly person‑centred maternity care can look like.

The passion in the room was unmistakable — from conversations about continuity and informed choice to reflections on community care, homebirth, and the future of midwifery.
Here’s to learning together, lifting each other up and supporting each other to provide compassionate, kind, safe care.

Watch this space for the next date in early May, date TBC.

23/03/2026

💜 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 💜 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 💜

🧶Are you a keen knitter or crocheter, or do you know someone who is? 🧶

💜 We are looking for knitted and crocheted breasts to help our volunteers to support families 💜

🤱 These handmade breasts are used in training, and by our volunteers to help support families on their breastfeeding journeys 🤱

🧶 If you can knit or crochet, your time and skill will make a real difference 🧶

🙏 If you think you might be able to help us please drop us a message or email sophie.kynoch@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk 📧

Please feel free to share this amongst your knitting networks and crocheting crews

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Pair-of-Crochet-Breasts.pdf

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Boob-Crochet-Pattern-ZB.pdf

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/pdfs/Knitted_Breasts.pdf

21/03/2026

💛World Down Syndrome Day💛

Today we’re sharing a story from a mum who was supported by Down Syndrome UK and BfN breastfeeding peer supporter, Sarah.

“I found the breastfeeding session and resources really informative and positive. The information around different positions that may help a baby with Down syndrome be more successful at breastfeeding included the dancer hold and I’d never heard of this before and this was explained well. It was really helpful to hear from other parents who had breastfed babies with Down syndrome and gave me hope.

When Rita was born, in recovery she latched straight on and our breastfeeding journey began, the next day she was taken to SCBU where she was combination fed of breast and NG tube of expressed milk for five days. The day before we were discharged home she started being exclusively breastfed.

During our first few weeks at home we had specialist help as I struggled to feed Rita without a ni**le shield on one side and she seemed to be dribbling quite a lot. After practising the positions I learned about during the call with Sarah and the mums, we persevered over the next few weeks and managed to successfully breastfeed off both sides without any shields.

Rita is now nearly 21 months and we are still breastfeeding, something that I’m very proud of myself and Rita for, and also very grateful and thankful for the call that I joined whilst I was pregnant with Sarah - listening to other mums gave me the hope and confidence. I also joined the Facebook breastfeeding peer support group during my feeding journey and this has also helped me to continue this beautiful journey with Rita.”

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Sam💛

If you need information and support breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome, check out: https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/health/feeding/

Our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK is also available 24/7 on 0300 100 0212, or send them a direct message on social media.

✨Please share to raise awareness✨

[ID: Black and white image of a mum and her smiling child. Logo - Celebrating WDSD '26 with DSUK. Down Syndrome UK.]

21/03/2026

🟣 BfN Groups in Portsmouth, week commencing 23rd March.
🟣 Come and join us at our drop in groups across the city and online.
🟣 For our Wednesday Online 1:1 Breastfeeding Support please book your slot using the Eventbrite Link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesday-online-11-breastfeeding-network-support-tickets-1673610206179
🟣 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 & 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
⏰09:30am-10am / 10am-10:30am.

📍 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 and the Infant Feeding Team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation
Trust)

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

20/03/2026

✨ADHD and Breastfeeding✨

Did you know?
There are compatible medications available to take for ADHD while breastfeeding. You shouldn’t be simply told to stop breastfeeding to receive treatment.

Our ADHD and Breastfeeding factsheet covers medications that are compatible with breastfeeding, as well as the factors to consider in discussion with your healthcare professional.

Read it here:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/adhd-and-breastfeeding/

✨Please contact us directly if you have any questions about medication and breastfeeding✨

[ID: ADHD and Breastfeeding. Close-up image of a baby breastfeeding. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets.]

19/03/2026

Eid Mubarak to those celebrating 💜

[ID: Eid Mubarak. May this be a blessed time for your family and your home be filled with happiness and peace.]

19/03/2026

Yes you CAN take stuff for hayfever when you're breastfeeding. Please don't suffer x

19/03/2026

Thank you to the wonderful Aspex Portsmouth Gallery for being a part of the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme! Can you spot any more of our stickers around Gunwharf Quays? 👀

Want to get involved?
If your café, venue, or community space would like to show the same support and join the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme, we’d love to hear from you!
portsmouthwelcomes@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

To find out more about the scheme please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wednesday-online-11-breastfeeding-network-support-tickets-1673437048259

15/03/2026

Happy Mother's Day to everyone celebrating today!

Today we’re also thinking of those who have experienced loss or may be finding this day difficult. Be gentle with yourself 💜

However you’re spending today, we hope you get a moment to slow down and take a break!

If you need infant feeding support, our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK is still available all day today, and every day of the year.

✨Share to wish a mum a Happy Mother's Day✨

[ID: Happy Mother's Day. Polaroid photos in a circle of mums breastfeeding.]

14/03/2026

14/03/2026

✨Migraines and Breastfeeding✨

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/migraines/

Did you know?
Migraines are said to affect up to 20% of women.

A migraine different from normal headaches and can be totally debilitating. So it's important to know what pain relief is compatible with breastfeeding.

Soluble Paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen are often effective for migraines. All of these drugs can be taken while breastfeeding.

Codeine and aspirin should both be avoided - see our factsheet (analgesics) on pain relief for more information on this:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/analgesics

Our Drugs in Breastmilk service provides information to mothers, parents, families and healthcare professionals on taking medication whilst breastfeeding – 365 days a year. We answer enquiries as soon as possible and try to respond within 24 hours.

You can contact us via direct message or email: druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

✨Please share✨

[ID: Migraines and Breastfeeding. Image of a woman holding her head in pain. www/breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets.]