Around-the-clock breastfeeding assistance set for new mother cohort

Around-the-clock breastfeeding assistance set for new mother cohort

The UK government has announced a significant investment of £126 million in the 2025-2026 financial year to support its Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. This programme aims to provide comprehensive support to families during the critical first 1,001 days of a child's life across 75 local authorities.

As part of the government's mission to give children the best start in life under its Plan for Change, this investment will strengthen infant feeding support, including 24/7 breastfeeding help, parenting advice, health visiting, and early childhood development services. Parents can access this support both locally through Family Hubs and online via the Start for Life resources on the NHS website.

Family Hubs function as community centers, delivering multiple services. The government's financial commitment ensures continuous and accessible help for breastfeeding mothers and other early childhood needs. Additionally, the National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) offers round-the-clock support for families, run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.

The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a vital source of infant feeding support for tens of thousands of families annually. It offers free, non-judgmental, evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding 24 hours a day. Almost nine in ten (89%) of callers report feeling more confident to continue breastfeeding after contacting the service.

Local authorities are using this investment to strengthen existing support and introduce new offers to help families access breastfeeding support when they need it and in a location that suits them. The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme offers advice and support services including infant feeding, parenting classes, and perinatal mental health support.

Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, stated that ensuring families have the support they need from day one is central to delivering the government's Plan for Change. This investment forms part of a wider policy push to improve early years outcomes, reduce child poverty impacts, and promote school readiness by age 5, involving up to 1,000 Family Hubs across the country.

The government's investment in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme supports the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, published in December 2024, which aims to give children the best start in life by strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood.

1. Science shows that early support and proper care during the first 1,001 days of a child's life significantly impacts their future health and wellness.
2. The government's investment extends to supporting various medical conditions, including chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, and hearing.
3. Fitness and exercise, nutrition, and skin care are also crucial components of the health and wellness support offered by the programme.
4. Sexual health, autoimmune disorders, mental health, men's health, and women's health are other important aspects that the programme covers.
5. Therapies and treatments are available for those dealing with neurological disorders, skin conditions, and cancer as part of the comprehensive support.
6. The programme also includes resources for education and self-development, aiming to foster personal growth and career development along with job search and skills training.
7. Sports, including football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, NCAABasketball, MLB, NHL, racing, American football, horse racing, tennis, sports analysis, auto racing, and mixed martial arts, are encouraged as part of overall fitness.
8. Weather forecasts might impact outdoor sports activities, so it's essential to be aware of potential challenges.
9. With regards to the comprehensive support for children's health, the government also invests in Medicare, ensuring that vulnerable families can access proper healthcare services.
10. Regarding adult wellness, the programme also addresses aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health throughout different stages of life.
11. The role of nutrition in disease prevention and overall wellness cannot be underestimated, as it plays a significant role in various aspects of health, including weight management and cardiovascular health.
12. Moreover, adult mental health support, including stress management techniques and therapy, is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing.
13. Parenting advice and support services are crucial for new parents, especially those dealing with the challenges of breastfeeding.
14. Cbd oil, derived from the cannabis plant, is being researched for its potential medical benefits, particularly in treating neurological disorders.
15. The UK government's commitment to strengthening public services extends to the Start for Life programme, which aims to offer 24/7 breastfeeding help and parenting advice.
16. Accessing support services, such as health visiting and early childhood development services, ensures a smooth transition into parenthood and helps parents to appreciate the importance of their role.
17. In addition to the National Breastfeeding Helpline, local Family Hubs offer a variety of support services, creating a community where parents can seek help when needed.
18. The government's investment in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme supports the wider goal of reducing child poverty impacts and promoting school readiness by age 5.
19. Implementing the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in up to 1,000 locations across the country ensures that a majority of families have access to comprehensive support services.
20. In the context of the programme, skin conditions and allergies require continuous monitoring and treatment to ensure the overall health and wellness of children.
21. Sports betting can be a form of entertainment, but it is important to be aware of its potential risks and to prioritize health and wellness.
22. The UK government's plan for change underscores the importance of investing in family support services, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.
23. Improving early years outcomes, promoting school readiness, and ensuring equitable access to health services are all key objectives of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.
24. Promoting healthy lifestyles and providing accessible resources is essential for addressing various health challenges, from cancer to mental health disorders.
25. Encouraging physical activities, such as sports, and ensuring proper nutrition are important steps in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health and wellness.
26. Ultimately, the UK government's investment in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme demonstrates its commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life.

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