Breastfeeding in Surrey: Where to Find Support Near You

Breastfeeding is one of those things that sounds instinctive but often really isn’t, at least not at first. And if you’ve ever sat at 2am with a cluster-feeding newborn, sore nipples and tears rolling down your face, wondering what on earth you’re doing wrong — firstly, you are doing nothing wrong. And secondly, you are far from alone.

The good news is that there is a lot of support out there in Surrey. The less good news is that it can be hard to know where to look for it, especially when you’re exhausted and in the thick of it. So here’s a roundup of the local support I know and trust.

Your community midwife and health visitor

Your first port of call for any feeding concerns should always be your community midwife in those early days, and then your health visitor once they take over. They are trained in breastfeeding support and can observe a feed, check for latch issues, and refer you on if needed. Don’t wait until your scheduled appointment if something isn’t right — call them.

NHS infant feeding teams

Both Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey and the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford have infant feeding teams who can see you after discharge if you’re struggling. Epsom Hospital also has postnatal support available. Don’t be shy about contacting them — this is exactly what they’re there for.

La Leche League Surrey

La Leche League is a volunteer-led breastfeeding support organisation that runs local groups across Surrey. Their meetings are drop-in, free, and run by trained volunteer Leaders who have breastfed their own children. They’re welcoming, non-judgmental, and brilliant. You can find your nearest group and their meeting schedule at llli.org.

NCT breastfeeding support

If you did NCT antenatal classes, you’ll have access to their postnatal support too, including breastfeeding counsellors available by phone. Even if you didn’t, NCT breastfeeding support is available to anyone — search for your local NCT branch in Esher, Walton-on-Thames, Cobham or Guildford.

Lactation consultants

If you’re dealing with something more complex — tongue tie, low supply, recurrent mastitis, pain that isn’t resolving — an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the gold standard of feeding support. There are several excellent IBCLCs practising privately across Surrey. I can point you in the direction of someone local if you get in touch.

Baby groups and children’s centres

Many children’s centres and community spaces across Surrey run infant feeding drop-ins alongside their baby groups. It’s worth checking with your local children’s centre — in Esher, Walton, Cobham and beyond — for what’s on locally, as these change regularly.

And from me

As your doula, supporting you with feeding is part of what I do. I’m not a lactation consultant and I won’t pretend to be — but I can sit with you through a feed, help you get comfortable, work through positioning with you, and most importantly, help you feel less alone with it. I also know exactly when something is beyond my remit and who to refer you to.

Feeding your baby is incredibly personal, and however you’re doing it — breast, bottle, or both — the goal is always the same: a fed baby and a mum who feels okay. If you’d like support finding your feet with feeding, please reach out. 💛