Resources > Healthy Body

Baby feeding

Whether you are expecting your first baby or adjusting to new feeding challenges, Havering is here for you with welcoming, expert-led infant feeding support tailored to every stage of your journey.

 

Our services are inclusive, compassionate, and designed to empower families with practical advice and reassurance when it matters most.

Breast & chest feeding

There is a lot of evidence that breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for babies. It can also support your relationship and their brain development. Breast feeding reduces the feeding parent's risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and heart disease. It can also have financial and environmental benefits.  

However, breastfeeding isn’t always easy to begin with. Expert support is available to you.

Bottle feeding

If you've decided to bottle feed, you may be wondering what formula to buy, what equipment you'll need and how to get the hang of feeding your baby when everything is brand new. 

 

If you have any worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor. 

A person in an orange shirt holds a baby wrapped in a white and pink blanket. The baby is drinking from a bottle. In the background, there is a white pillow.

However, it’s good to know that all infant formulas will meet your baby's nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price. By law, all infant formula sold in the UK must meet the same standards, which means they are all suitable for your baby's growth and development.

Support to feed your baby

Regular drop-in support sessions

There are regular drop-in support sessions across Havering on a weekly basis.

 

You DO NOT need to book an appointment.

 

Every Monday

LatchOn drop-in session at Hornchurch Library from 12:00-14:00.

There is limited parking available, so park in Sainsbury's opposite.

Contact Info@latchon.org.uk for more information.

 

Every Wednesday

Baby feeding support at St Kilda's Children's Centre from 13:30-15:00.

Address: 90 Eastern road, Romford, RM1 3QA

Contact: infant.feeding@havering.gov.uk

 

The Health Visiting Team attend the Infant Feeding Café at St Kilda’s on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month to support families with feeding and weight concerns—please note this is not a routine weighing clinic; for standard weight checks, appointments must be booked via the Health Visiting SPA on 0300 555 1200.

 

Every Thursday

Baby feeding support at MyPlace Youth & Community Centre from 13:00-15:00.

Address: Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 9EN

Contact: Infant.feeding@havering.gov.uk

 

The Health Visiting Team attend the Infant Feeding Café at MyPlace on the second and fourth Thursday of each month to support families with feeding and weight concerns—please note this is not a routine weighing clinic; for standard weight checks, appointments must be booked via the Health Visiting SPA on 0300 555 1200.

 

Every Friday

LatchOn baby feeding support session at Rainham Village Children's Centre from 12:00-14:00.

Address: Rainham Village Children’s Centre, Upminster Road South, Rainham, RM13 9AA.

Parking available at Tesco Rainham.

Contact: info@latchon.org.uk

Speak to our Infant Feeding Coordinator, Georgina

Our Infant Feeding Coordinator, Georgina Plock, is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, offering friendly advice via phone, email, or virtual appointment. Just drop us a line at infantfeeding@havering.gov.uk

Help from your Midwife & Health Visitor

You can also seek support from your midwife or health visitor, who are there to guide you through feeding concerns and your baby’s development as part of your wider care team.

A woman wearing a leopard print dress and a rainbow lanyard is speaking to two people at an outdoor information stall. She is gesturing with her hand while engaging in conversation, with papers or leaflets spread out on the table in front of them.

Buggy Walk & Talks

Enjoy a relaxed walk with Georgina, Havering's Infant Feeding Coordinator. Take part in a relaxed walk in the fresh air, with friendly conversation at Thames Chase Forest, Upminster, RM14 3NS.

 

Bring your buggy, meet other parents and get encouragement, advice, guidance and support on your feeding journey.

Preparing to breastfeed classes

Feel more confident and supported as you get ready to feed your baby. Whether you plan to breastfeed or just want to learn more - this class is for al parents, even if this is not your first baby.

 

Our friendly classes are run by midwives and infant feeding specialists.

A mother and father standing close together, mother is holding their baby.

Starting Solid Food workshops

Have you got a baby about to start solid foods? Would you like to feel more confident introducing your baby to solid foods?

 

Our workshops are suitable for parent carers with babies aged 4-6 months.

 

This is a virtual workshop on Microsoft Teams.

Mum holding a baby and smiling

Get in touch with childrenscentres@havering.gov.uk to book your space and to find out more

Breastfeeding Welcome scheme

People have the legal right to breastfeed /chestfeed anywhere, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, but poor facilities and negative responses can sometimes make this difficult.

 

The aim of the Breastfeeding Welcome Havering scheme is to:

  • make it easy for parents to find welcoming and supportive places to feed
  • recognise businesses and organisations for promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

 

You will find the Breastfeeding Welcome Havering logo displayed in the windows of cafés, libraries, children's centres and other public venues around the borough.

 

Use the map below to find locations near you, or visit the Havering Council website for the complete list.

If you're a venue that wishes to join the scheme, you can find out more on the Havering Council website.

National helplines & support

You can call national helplines and join online support groups to support you in your baby feeding journey.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

LatchOn Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

LatchOn Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Whether you are expecting your first baby or adjusting to new feeding challenges, havering is here for you—with welcoming, expert-led infant feeding support tailored to every stage of your journey....

Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Whether you are expecting your first baby or adjusting to new feeding challenges, havering is here for you—with welcoming, expert-led infant feeding support tailored to every stage of your journey....

Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Whether you are expecting your first baby or adjusting to new feeding challenges, havering is here for you—with welcoming, expert-led infant feeding support tailored to every stage of your journey....

Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

LatchOn Breastfeeding Drop-in Session

Whether you are expecting your first baby or adjusting to new feeding challenges, havering is here for you—with welcoming, expert-led infant feeding support tailored to every stage of your journey....

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