Breastfeeding is a key foundation to infant development, offering long-term benefits to both mother and baby. We know access to consistent, high quality information and support is crucial to overcome any worries, concerns or challenges along the way. We respect the choices of all parents and will support you however you decide to feed your baby. Your midwife and health visitor are trained to support your feeding decisions.
If you have made an informed decision to feed your baby with formula, the maternity and health visiting teams will support you. All parents who formula feed will receive information on safe feeding practices, milk selection, and responsive feeding to build a close and loving relationship with your baby.
The NHS provides information on how to safely formula feed your baby.
Visit Maternity Matters Dorset for further advice on feeding your baby.
Community Support
The Breastfeeding Network have trained peer supporters provide practical and emotional support to parents and families from pregnancy to natural term weaning, exclusively breastfeeding, combi feeding or expressing. Peer supporters can also support parents with positioning and attachment and signpost to further information. The peer supporters, who have all breastfed their own babies, play an important role in empowering new parents and helping them gain the confidence they need to breastfeed for as long as they wish.
To get in touch you can email Dorset breastfeeding network.
The Dorset Breastfeeding Network run breastfeeding support groups in various locations, offering support, advice and the opportunity to meet other new parents.
The Breastfeeding Network also provide virtual support on Facebook and Instagram. They also offer one to one session's on Zoom or Whatsapp video please email Dorset breastfeeding network to organise.
Weekly breastfeeding support group schedule
Follow their Facebook or Instagram pages to check if classes are running, as there may be changes.
Unless booking is advised by email, these groups are open to all who need infant feeding support. Find a group near you.
Monday
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Weymouth, Mulberry Children's Centre, DT4 8JE | 10am to 11.30am |
| Christchurch, Somerford Family Hub, BH23 3AS (via the entrance on Somerford Road). | 10:15am to 11.30am |
Tuesday
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Verwood, Verwood Methodist Church, BH31 6DR | 10am to midday |
| Sherborne, Sherborne Children's Centre, DT9 3DY | 10:15am to 11:30am |
| Rossmore, Rossmore Family Hub, BH12 4HR | 11:30am to 1pm |
Wednesday
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Wareham, Wareham Family Hub, BH20 4PH. Please book: email Dorset Breastfeeding Network. | 10am to 11:30am |
Thursday
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Boscombe, Boscombe Family Hub, BH1 4PE | 9:30am to 11am |
| Poole, Poole Old Town Family Hub, BH15 1QB | 9:45am to 11:15am |
| Dorchester, Nikki's Little Play Cafe, DT1 1GW | 10am to 11:30am |
| Bridport, Bridport Children's Centre, DT6 5LA. Please note: every first and third Thursday of the month. | 10:30am to midday |
Friday
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Swanage, Swanage Children's Centre, BH19 2PW | 9:45am to 11:15am |
| Kinson and West Howe Family Hub, BH11 8AU | 10am to midday |
| Bovington, Bovington Children's Centre. Please book: email Dorset Breastfeeding Network. | 10am to 11:30am |
You can also find support for breastfeeding your baby on the Family Information Directory. Sessions also run at our Family Hubs.
Weaning
Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.
Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breastmilk or first infant formula.
It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods.
You can speak with your health visitor to find out more about how and when to start weaning your baby safely. Find lots of helpful information on the Start for Life website.
Community Nursery Nurses deliver virtual weaning sessions. Contact parent line to book.
Oral health
Oral health is important, even with baby teeth. Your baby’s teeth help them to bite and chew. They help with speech and language development and help them feel confident when they smile. Your child’s teeth also help to make space for adult teeth. Good oral health also keeps your child from toothache, infection, and swollen gums.
You can speak with your health visitor to find out more about how to look after your child’s teeth. Visit the NHS website for advice on looking after your baby's teeth.