How to find a bf expert in my area?

[barbamama]

What is the quickest way to find a bf expert in my area to watch me (trying) to feed?

My baby has been ill with a chest infection and it has all gone tits up, pardon the pun.

NCT Breastfeeding Line 0870 444 8708

thank you - will they know about drop-in options like bf cafes etc that I have heard about d'ya think - I was hoping to just turn up somewhere tomororow with screamings baby and whining toddler, crying hysterically myself and for someone kind and reassuring to SORT IT OUT!

They may be able to put you in touch with a local breastfeeding counsellor. She may be able to pop round and see you or you may be able to pop round and see her. I would imagine that she has a pretty good network for finding out about drop-in cafes etc. Whereabouts are you? Someone on here might be able to let you know where drop in sessions are running.

also try la leche league - i did bf peer counsellor training with them and the network is quite good.

East Surrey. Anywhere in Surrey or S London-ish would be doable. I know there are bloody loads I just can't think where. There used to be one at the hospital where I gave birth but apparently it's closed down. I'll try the helpline tommorow and ask them. Thanks for the number - I am so overtired I couldn't even look it up. I feel better now that I have a plan for tommorow - was a hellish day today. Someone said there is one in Horley which is not too far if anyone knows?

Also if you go to the NCT website www.nct.org.uk/ you can stick in your postcode in the bottom right hand corner and it will give details of your local branch. Different branches work in different ways and some are more active than others but it might give you some pointers as to where to go (it might also list the tel no for a local breastfeeding counsellor).

Theres a Baby Cafe in Horley Baby Cafes in your area, or turn up to any NCT Bumps and Babes group. Theres a bf dropin in Croydon at the MayDay Hospital this morning 10-12 according to the ABM website Breastfeeding groups

thank you! that is really helpful!

barbamama, there is a breastfeeding cafe in crawley, and one in haywards heath.

I live in the area-ish, I am not a bf expert but I am a breastfeeding mum and would be glad to meet up with you and give you some moral support if you want it if you don't want to wait for the cafe

the horley one is monday morning and there is an NCT bf person there so will go on monday if no improvement over the weekend - will go anyway I think for some moral support. unfortunately have missed the mayday one now. lo did feed ok a couple of times last night while he was sleepy so not as worried - just during the day he is still on strike. today not trying to force it - maybe he just fancies eating at night now after sleeping through the night for weeks! Also his antibiotics are finished today so maybe will settle down over the weekend (please, please!)

thanks for your help - i couldnt think straight yesterday. has anyone tried the baby cafes?

fingerwoman just seen your posts - thanks very much that is a very kind offer. I am meeting my mum this afternoon but maybe it would be good to meet up if things don't improve, where are you?

I'm just south of Horley.