National Breastfeeding Helpline FAQs

Why do we need a National Breastfeeding Helpline?

Women need practical information and support with breastfeeding. Thousands of women call breastfeeding helplines every year. In 2007 the Breastfeeding Network took over 20,000 calls to Supporterline. The evidence shows us that women who have called have found it to be of great help. The Department of Health is recognising the importance of this service and is providing funding for a single number helpline, which they can publish on their materials. (top)

How long is the funding available?

The Department of Health has allocated £150,000 per year, through the Section 64 grant scheme. It will be reviewed after one year with a view to funding being available for a total of 3 years. Read Department of Health press release. (top)

Which country is the NBH available?

The National Breastfeeding Helpline will be available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. (top)

What hours will the line be available?

The lines will be open 9.30am until 9.30pm every day of the year. (top)

How much will calls cost?

Calls will be charged at 5p per minute from BT lines plus a 3p call set up charge from BT residential lines. Mobiles and other providers' charges may vary. (top)

How does the NBH work?

Callers will be put through to their nearest trained volunteer, which could either be a BfN Registered Breastfeeding Supporter or an ABM counsellor. More information, which explains how the calls will be routed, will be available once the system is set up and in place. If the caller doesn’t get through first time they will be receive a message asking them to try again later. (top)

Are volunteers working in a call centre?

No, the volunteers are all mothers who have breastfed and who are taking calls in their own homes. (top)

Which organisations are involved in the NBH?

Trained volunteers from The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) and from the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) will be taking calls on the helpline. (top)

Are ABM and BfN merging?

No, definitely not! Just working together to provide the Helpline. (top)

Which helpline number will the Department of Health be printing on their publications?

This one – this is a single number that the Department of Health want to publish. The number is: 0844 20 909 20. (top)

What happens to ABM and BfN's existing helplines?

Business as usual – mothers will still be able to call ABM on 08444 122 949 or BfN on 0844 412 4664. (top)

Why are the other two main organisations (La Leche League and National Childbirth Trust) not taking calls on NBH?

This is a question you may wish to ask those organisations. There is scope for them to join. (top)