Welcome to Kent Baby Matters!
If you are pregnant and have questions about breastfeeding, you need support with feeding your newborn, baby or toddler, or you just want to meet other families in your community, then we may be able to help.
- Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Breastpump Rental
- Home visits (for a fee)
Breastfeeding Support Groups
These groups are run throughout Kent by various organisations and charities. They all have a slightly different offer, so check out their websites and social media or ask friends and family about them.
Kent Baby Matters currently runs a drop-in group in Dartford
Dartford Breastfeeding and Sling Group
Dartford Valley Community Rugby Club
Cotton Lane, Stone, Greenhithe DA2 6PD
Mondays 9:30-11:30am (except Bank Holidays)
This group is run by Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Counsellors who can chat with you about any questions or concerns you may have around infant feeding before baby arrives up until your breastfeeding journey ends. You can drop-in without an appointment and attend as many times as you would like to. Parking is free and easy at the venue and there is a lift up to the room on the 1st floor. The room has a great view! You can also attend just to chat and meet new people. The group has a limited number of slings and carriers and the staff are trained babywearing peer supporters, so can help you find the perfect carrier for you or help you use the one you already have. Items are available to rent for a small fee (£15/month or free for those receiving healthy start vouchers).
Other breastfeeding support groups available across Kent
Baby Umbrella – offer support in-person and over zoom in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
La Leche League – offer support in-person and online across the whole of Kent and Medway
Bump, Baby and Beyond – offer support in-person weekly in Queenborough (Isle of Sheppey)
Deal Breastfeeding Support Group – offer support in-person weekly in Deal
The Health Visiting service offers breastfeeding support within the community at local Children’s Centre – find out more at Beside You
Breastpump Rental
There are a number of reasons why breastpump hire might be right for your infant feeding journey.
- You are separated from your infant
- Your infant is not able to latch and effectively remove milk from the breast
- Feeding is painful
- You need to increase your supply or offer top-ups alongside feeding
- You would like to offer baby a bottle
The hospital or birth centre your gave birth in may be able to help you with lending a breastpump. You can also ask your local health visiting team if they have availability. The companies that make the pumps also offer breastpump hire via post.
Kent Baby Matters offers breastpump hire for any reason at any time. We have Ardo Calypso double electric pumps based in Sevenoaks and Dartford. The cost to hire these is £15/month (free for those receiving healthy start vouchers). To be able to use the pump you will need at least one milk collection kit. If you have used an Ardo pump in the hospital you can bring the kit home with you to save buying a new one. You will need two kits to pump both breasts at one time.
Ardo Calypso Double Electric Pump shown with 2 milk collection kits
Contact Karen at karen@psbreastfeeding.co.uk or 07951 600777 with any questions
Other breastpump rental options across Kent
Baby Umbrella – Kent Baby Matters run our sling & cloth nappy library alongside their groups every week and can bring pumps with us. Contact Karen to arrange.
Bump, Baby and Beyond – in Queenborough (Isle of Sheppey)
Deal Breastfeeding Support Group – in Deal
Hannah Croft IBCLC – in Canterbury
Home Visits (for a fee)
If you would prefer to receive help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor in the comfort of your own home, then that is an option available across Kent.
Kent Baby Matters can offer home visits across West Kent and we are always happy to suggest some of our colleagues across the County if you live out of area. Prices usually start at around £100 for the intial visit to give you a rough idea.
Contact Karen at karen@psbreastfeeding.co.uk or 07951 600777 with any questions or to find someone in your area.
You can also search for a local Lactation Consultant on the Lactation Consultants of Great Britain website using your postcode
