24/7 Helpline for Breastfeeding Mums Extended
It's part of a wider government investment of £126m in family services
Thousands of mums and babies will get extended support to breastfeeding services this year.
The government has extended the National Breastfeeding Helpline - helping ensure more mothers across the UK can access dedicated breastfeeding support 24 hours a day.
The government says it means all parents can access free, non-judgmental, evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding whenever they need it - recognising that feeding challenges can arise at any time of the day or night.
Ministers are providing £126 million in 2025-2026 to support their Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which helps families with advice and support services including infant feeding, parenting classes and perinatal mental health support, among other areas.
Overwhelming
"Supporting women and families is a top priority for this government, which is why I am so pleased to announce the extension of the National Breastfeeding Helpline," said the public health and prevention minister Ashley Dalton.  
"Many parents will know the struggle of being up in the middle of the night, desperately trying anything to get your baby to feed. It can be incredibly overwhelming and deeply lonely.
"We are determined to make sure more women get the support they need through this vital 24/7 helpline."
"The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a vital source of infant feeding support, run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, and trusted by tens of thousands of families every year," added Catherine Hine, chief executive of The Breastfeeding Network.
"While some callers seek help for a wider range of infant feeding challenges, we know that almost nine in ten (89%) of callers are more confident to continue breastfeeding after contacting the helpline. Many women also call to talk about combination feeding, introducing solids, stopping breastfeeding and formula feeding.
"We’re really excited that shifting to a 24-hour service has been so popular and that our great team are being contacted by women and families throughout the UK and with a wide variety of backgrounds and infant feeding experiences."