New baby feeding service open to help families

A free service to support pregnant and new parents will launch in Kent next month.

The Infant Feeding Peer Support Service will be based in Family Hubs across the county and is funded by central government money awarded to Kent County Council (KCC).

Run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the programme will offer help with feeding babies, face-to-face drop-in sessions and online support.

KCC said the service aims to give parents confidence and practical advice, with trained NCT staff on hand to help.

Chris Palmer, KCC member for integrated children's services, said: "We want new and expecting parents in Kent to know that help is on hand at their local Family Hubs.

"The NCT team understand that feeding isn't always straightforward. It can take time to feel confident."

Research by NCT in 2024 found nearly one-quarter of women and parents in the UK "did not have a positive feeding experience of breastfeeding" and one-third said their feeding experience "did not go to plan".

Helen Lloyd, head of programmes at NCT, said they were "looking forward" to supporting parents across Kent.

"Every parent should feel empowered to feed their babies in a way that is right for them and make sure that they feel informed and supported throughout, without judgement," she added.

Parents can find their nearest Family Hub via the NCT Kent Infant Feeding Peer Support website.

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