Breastfeeding Support in Ayrshire
Are you looking for breastfeeding support or just want to chat to another mum about breastfeeding?
The Breastfeeding Network has trained peer support volunteers in your local area, we have a mix of online, indoor and outdoor groups available across Ayrshire. All of our groups are completely free and comply with the latest government guidance.
In Person
We have in person groups available Monday to Friday across Ayrshire.
Breastfeeding Drop-in groups are run by trained Breastfeeding Network Peer Support volunteers, whether you need breastfeeding support, would like to meet other Mums or just to have a comfortable place to build your confidence feeding in public. Our Maybole group has recently changed from a Breastfeeding Drop-in to a Parent, Baby and Toddler Support group for all families.
Tea & Tots support groups in North Ayrshire are peer support groups funded by The National Lottery. Groups are open to all mums, dads and families and all feeding types, at these groups we regularly have Bookbug activities and welcome guests from other local organisations such as child smile, emergency services, messy munchers and many more. The peer supporters at this group can support families with emotional and mental wellbeing and share information around feeding, solid foods, income maximisation and energy poverty as well as sign post to other local support services.
All our groups are free to attend and our indoor groups also provide refreshments as well as toys and books for your little ones. You don’t need to arrive at the start of the group, you can drop in and leave at any time. You can come to get support and information from one of our trained volunteers or just because you and your little one would like to get out of the house and meet up with other families for a chat and a play. Siblings and older children are also welcome at all the groups.
Monday
Breastfeeding Drop-in (Kilmarnock)
10:00-11:30
North West Kilmarnock Area Centre, Western Rd, Kilmarnock KA3 1NQ
Tuesday
Tea & Tots (Kilbirnie)
10:30-12:00
Bridgend Community Centre, 17 Bridgend, Kilbirnie, KA25 7DJ
Wednesday
Tea & Tots (Saltcoats)
10:30-12:00
Argyll Community Centre, Donaldson Avenue, Saltcoats, KA21 5AG
Thursday
Breastfeeding Drop-in (Ayr)
10:00-11:30
Holy Trinity Church, Fullarton Street, Ayr, KA7 1UBT
Tea & Tots (Irvine – Outdoor)
11:00-12:30
Eglinton Country Park, Irvine, KA12 8TA
Friday
Breastfeeding Drop-in (Irvine)
10:30-12:00
Fullarton Connexions, 48 Waterside, Irvine, KA12 8PE
Breastfeeding Drop-in (Stewarton)
12:30-14:00
The Cottage, The John Knox Church, 10 High Street, Stewarton, KA3 5BZ
Virtual Support
Join our peer support volunteers for our Tuesday evening Zoom group.
| Day | Group | Time | Where | Joining Details |
| Tuesday | Parent chat and peer support | 19:00-20:00 | Zoom | Register |
You can also access 1:1 support with a local volunteer by messaging our Facebook page @BfNAyrshireandArran or email us, our trained volunteers can then arrange follow up calls, messages or NearMe Video calls.
The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 9.30am until 9.30pm 365 days a year on 0300 100 0212 or message them on Facebook @NationalBreastfeedingHelpline
Antenatal Support
Our antenatal groups are currently delivered in 3 week blocks, the first week of the block is a chance for Mums to meet and chat about their pregnancy and the following two weeks we welcome partners, parents, family and friends to join and chat about support for Mum and baby after birth.
Keep an eye on our social media for more info and dates. We have a dedicated Ayrshire Antenatal Facebook account that you can check out here!
Antenatal sessions can be booked in advance here.
Postnatal Support
The Integrated Infant Feeding Team in Ayrshire combines the support services of Maternity, Community and the Breastfeeding Network creating a single team approach to feeding support in Ayrshire.
All first time Mums in Ayrshire who wish to breastfeed (including expressing breastmilk) or mixed feed will have access to 1:1 support from a Breastfeeding Network Peer Supporter for 6-8 weeks after delivery with ongoing support available from one of our local volunteers.
All Mums/ families in Ayrshire have access to feeding support through their midwife and health visitor as well as specialist support from the Maternity and Community Infant feeding teams.
To chat to someone from the Integrated Infant Feeding Team you can contact Claire, our peer support coordinator on 01563 825 403.
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland
Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) is a national scheme backed by Scottish Government. The scheme aims to help businesses and people who breastfeed know their rights and responsibilities. The scheme is free to join so if you’d like to sign up your business or find out more please email Alyson at breastfeedingfriendlyscotlandayrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
All our volunteers are mums who have breastfed their own children and then completed training so that they can support other families. Whatever your question or if you just want to chat to someone please get in touch.
Please be aware that emails and messages to our Facebook page will be seen by a small team of volunteers. If you contact us by email, please send a brief outline of your question or concern initially so we can support you in the most appropriate way. To find out how we look after your data you can go to https://bfn.charitywebdesigns.co.uk/privacy-notice/
Updated 15/05/2023