Your health visitor and GP are there to help you throughout your baby's early years. There are other groups that can support you too.
Breastfeeding
La Leche League
Calls are answered by mums like you, answering the phone in their own home (so try to keep calls in sociable hours). They have the most up-to-date breastfeeding available and can share a wealth of experience from other breastfeeding mums.
0845 1202918
www.laleche.org.uk
www.lalecheleagueireland.com
Breastfeeding helpline
The Breastfeeding Network
Lines are open from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm daily. You will be automatically connected to your local BfN Registered Breastfeeding Supporter, all of whom have breastfed their own babies and receive ongoing training and support
Telephone: 0300 100 0212
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
www.breastfeeing.ie
Childcare
Daycare Trust
Information for parents about childcare.
0845 872 6251
www.daycaretrust.org.uk
Domestic violence
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Freephone 24-hour helpline for anyone affected by domestic violence.
0808 2000 247
www.womensaid.org.uk
www.refuge.org.uk
General
CRY-SIS
Offers support for parents of crying or sleepless babies.
08451 228 669 (9am-10pm daily)
www.cry-sis.org.uk
Family lives
General help and information for parents via free 24-hour helpline, courses, leaflets and website.
0808 800 22 22
www.familylives.org.uk
National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Information, counselling and support for parents during pregnancy and beyond.
Lines are open from 8am to midnight, seven days a week. You’ll be put through to a qualified breastfeeding counsellor for information and support
0300 330 0700
www.nct.org.uk
www.cuidu-ict.ie
Health
Contact a family
Supports families of children who have rare disorders.
0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
NHS Direct
24-hour helpline with NHS nurses providing confidential healthcare advice and information. Calls are charged at local rates.
0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Maternity rights
Directgov
Government information on maternity rights and benefits.
www.direct.gov.uk
Postnatal depression
Association for Postnatal Illness
Support for women anyone affected by postnatal depression.
020 7386 0868
www.apni.org
Premature babies
BLISS (Baby Life Support Systems)
Care for premature and sick babies, and support for parents.
0500 618 140
www.bliss.org.uk
Single parents
Gingerbread
Advice and practical support for single parents.
0808 802 0925
www.gingerbread.org.uk
Sleep safety
Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID)
Information about how to reduce the risks of cot death.
0808 802 6868
fsid.org.uk
SMA Careline
For advice and support
0800 081 91 80 (UK)
1800 931 832 (ROI)
www.smanutrition.co.uk
Twins or more
Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA)
Runs a network of twins clubs around the UK.
0800 138 0509
www.tamba.org.uk
Work
Working Families
Support for parents who work.
0800 013 0313
www.workingfamilies.org.uk