
Breastfeeding in Bristol - Where to Find the Support You Need
Mamas, let’s be real - breastfeeding is a wild ride, isn't it? From incredibly magical highs to extremely dark, lonely challenges, we've all been there. When I was breastfeeding my little girl (nearly 3 years!), I experienced the full spectrum: from beautiful snuggly moments of unfurling love and connection to horrific struggles with mastitis and pressure from the health visitor to supplement with pumping and formula. I know how awful it can feel when support seems out of reach.
Thankfully, through my work as a Bristol newborn and family photographer I have since had the pleasure of meeting a wealth of parents and professionals including birth workers, postnatal doulas and breastfeeding specialists who have shared their wisdom with me. And the good news is you're not alone, mama. Whether you’re just starting out, exclusively pumping, or combining feeds, there’s a community waiting to support you.
In the first of a two-part series focussing on breastfeeding, postnatal doula and breastfeeding peer support worker, Kim Mousley makes a very welcome return to the Motherhood Stories Blog. Kim from Birth Body Breath has a natural talent for helping people feel empowered, calm, and prepared through pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenting and she’s here to share with us what breastfeeding support looks like and what is out there for Bristol parents.

Breastfeeding: A Journey of learning, patience and support
One of my favourite things to remind people in pregnancy and the immediate post natal period is that breastfeeding is natural like walking, not like breathing. Breastfeeding doesn’t just happen like breathing does, in an autonomous way that requires no thought. It happens through learning, practice and observation. We haven’t always had opportunities to observe breastfeeding before our own babies and any learning we’ve done about it is all very theoretical….until your own baby arrives and there’s a sudden pressure to make it happen.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed our babies – in the sense that it is the biological norm, but it doesn’t always feel natural and it usually needs time and support to establish a feeding relationship. And the good news is there’s actually loads of support out there! You just have to know where to look. I hope this blog will bring together all that’s available out there so that you can find the support you need to feed your baby.
Understanding Breastfeeding Support
‘Breastfeeding support’ is a catch all term and applies to any way your baby receives your milk from your body. If you are exclusively pumping, you are breastfeeding. If you are combi-feeding with some breastfeeding and some formula from a bottle, you are breastfeeding. If you are using a supplementary nursing system, you are breastfeeding. You may prefer the term ‘body feeding’ or ‘chest feeding’, and you can still access these support systems but as the most recognised term, breastfeeding is the term that will be used throughout this blog.
So, who's who in breastfeeding support:
- Peer Supporters: Peer support is the back bone of breastfeeding support in the UK. It’s the front line; readily accessible and free to access. Peer supporters are volunteers who have experience of breastfeeding themselves and some specific training (usually around 35 hours) to support basic breastfeeding issues. They will support you in finding your way with infant feeding and refer you on to a specialist as needed. See below for local options.
- Breastfeeding Consultants: This is a step beyond peer support. You may be referred to a Breastfeeding Counsellor through a peer support group or your health visitor as part of your local healthcare provision, or you may seek one out independently. Breastfeeding counsellors have completed a formal, more lengthy qualification (usually around 2 years) accredited by a major breastfeeding organisation e.g. NCT or ABM. They can support with common feeding issues and refer on to specialist support if needed.
- Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs): These have extensive experience in breastfeeding and hold the highest level of qualification possible in breastfeeding. Typically, they have worked as health professionals or accredited counsellors first and done further training. They can provide help for more complicated issues as well as common problems. Sometimes they are employed by hospitals; some have a private practice.
- Health Visitors, Midwives, and GPs: May also be able to provide a level of breastfeeding support, but be aware that experience and training level may vary. If you are experiencing issues, always seek out support from someone with specific training. If someone isn’t providing what you need, seek out another opinion.

Where to Find In-Person Breastfeeding Support in Bristol
MONDAYS
- St Anne's Breastfeeding Support Group: St Anne's Park Children's Centre, BS4 4BJ, 11am–12pm
- Cadbury Heath Breastfeeding Support Group: Cadbury Heath Children's Centre, BS30 8AA, 10:30am–12pm
- Staple Hill Feeding Friends: Staple Hill Children's Centre, BS16 4NE, 12:30pm–2pm
Tuesdays
- The Milky Way Infant Feeding Group: Bishopsworth Children's Centre, BS13 8EA, 10:30am–12pm
- Yate Breastfeeding Support Group: Cranleigh Court Children's Centre, BS37 5DW, 11:30am–1pm
- Milk Tots: Inns Court, Knowle, BS4 1TR, 11:15am–12:45pm
- Southmead Children's Centre: BS10 5PW, 12:30pm–2pm
- Thornbury Sweetpeas: Turnberries Community Centre, BS35 2BB, 1pm–2:30pm
Wednesdays
- The Milky Way Infant Feeding Group: Hartcliffe Children's Centre, BS13 0JW, 10:30am–12pm
- Henbury Infant Feeding Support Group: EveryFAMILY, BS10 6RG, 11:30am–1pm
- Patchway: Patchway Children's Centre, BS34 5TF, 1pm–2:30pm
Thursdays
- Stay & Play with Breastfeeding Support: Stockwood Children's Centre, BS14 8DQ, 9:30am–11am
- Honeysuckle: Filton Avenue Children's Centre, BS7 0DL, 10:15am–11:45am
- Hanham Breastfeeding Support Group: Hanham Baptist Church, BS15 3QY, 11am–12:30pm
- Lawrence Weston Breastfeeding Support Cafe: Long Cross Children's Centre, BS11 0LP, 12:30pm–2pm
- Wellspring Family Centre: Wellspring Settlement, BS5 0AX, 1pm–2:30pm
Fridays
- La Leche League: Bishopston Library, BS7 8RN, 11:15am–12:45pm (2nd Friday of the month)
For updates on local groups, visit:
Breastfeeding South Glos or Bristol Breastfeeding Support Groups
Where to Find Support Anytime
- National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (available 24/7)
- Facebook Group: Bristol Breastfeeding Mummies
- Instagram: Lucy Webber, IBCLC (Lucy comes recommended by Kim and many mamas from my Instagram community)
Reliable Online Resources
Final Thoughts
One of the most valuable lessons in parenting is learning to accept support. Remember, breastfeeding is a partnership: your baby also has a role in the process. With time, patience, and the resources shared in this guide, you can build a feeding relationship that works for you and your baby. You don’t have to do it alone – support is here for you.
Wishing you a positive and supported breastfeeding journey.

Where to Find Kim
You can find Kim Mousley from Birth Body Breath and check out her fabulous doula, hypnobirthing and yoga offerings below.
Instagram: @birth.body.breath
Facebook: @birthbodybreathwithkim
Website: Birth Body Breath
Chat about a breastfeeding photoshoot
Want to document your precious breastfeeding journey? I'd love to help. Send me a message and I will aim to get back to you within 24 hours. Remember to check your spam as my emails like to hang out there!
Debbie x