New infant feeding service for Kent families

Date
Topics
Health and wellbeing
A young baby laughs as his mum lifts him up in the air

A new free service in Kent Family Hubs will help pregnant and new parents to make infant feeding choices that are right for them.

The Infant Feeding Peer Support Service will be run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

It opens in January 2026 and will:

  • support families to feed their babies - be that breastfeeding, expressing breast milk , responsive bottle feeding, mixed feeding, introducing solids, stopping breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and variations of all of these
  • run face-to-face drop-in groups in Family Hubs across the county where parents can share experiences and find solutions together. Find your nearest group, and check changes to Kent Health Visiting Service group times, at KCT Kent Infant Feeding Peer Support and www.besideyoukent.co.uk
  • provide virtual support via phone, text, video calls and social media

The new service is funded by central government money awarded to Kent County Council (KCC) to promote breastfeeding and support parents to meet their infant feeding goals.

Infant feeding is critical to a baby’s healthy growth and development.

NCT research found in 2024 in the UK:

  • nearly a quarter of women and parents did not have a positive feeding experience of breastfeeding
  • a third found their feeding experience did not go to plan
Christine Palmer is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

“...feeding isn't always straight forward. It can take time to feel confident”

Chris Palmer KCC Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services

Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services, Chris Palmer, said: "We want new and expecting parents in Kent to know that help is on hand at their local Family Hub if they are struggling with their infant feeding journey.

“The NCT team understand that feeding isn't always straight forward. It can take time to feel confident.

“I also want to reassure families they can continue getting support from other services, such as the Kent Health Visiting service, at the same time as using the new Infant Feeding Service.”

Helen Lloyd, Head of Programmes at NCT, said: “We are really looking forward to NCT supporting parents across Kent with their Infant Feeding journey.

“Every parent should feel empowered to feed their babies in a way that is right for them and make sure that they feel informed and supported throughout. Without judgement. No exception.

"If you are a new or expectant parent, struggling with infant feeding, or simply having a question around infant feeding - our brilliant NCT team in Kent will be here for you.”

Melissa Rohrmoser, Kent Infant Feeding Service Manager at NCT, said: “No matter the question, no matter the type of infant feeding, we will be here for parents in Kent to provide evidence-based, non-judgmental support for parents on their infant feeding journey."

If you have first-hand experience with breastfeeding and would like to make a difference in your local community, NCT is always looking to train volunteer Breastfeeding Peer Supporters. Find out more and get in touch.