Somerset Council is highlighting the support available to parents and families during World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which runs from 1 to 7 August.
Families looking for advice or support can contact the Somerset Health Visiting Service, which has held UNICEF Baby Friendly Gold accreditation since 2024, recognising its high standards in supporting infant feeding and positive relationships between parents and babies.
The service is currently awaiting the outcome of its third-year assessment, which is due to be confirmed in September 2026 following review by the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative’s designation committee.
Supporting Somerset families
Somerset’s Public Health Nursing Service demonstrates commitment to providing high-quality care for babies, young children and their families.
Health visiting teams provide health and development advice, practical and emotional infant feeding support, and help parents build close and loving relationships with their babies.
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, said:
Our health visiting team provide trusted advice and support to families during some of the most important stages of their lives.
World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to highlight the difference these teams make every day, helping parents make informed choices and giving Somerset’s children the best possible start in life.
Free support across Somerset
Somerset’s Health Visiting team runs free groups across the county, giving families opportunities to meet other parents and speak to health professionals. Details can be found on their website and social media accounts, which are listed below.
Healthy Little Ones groups offer:
- Health and development advice
- Practical and emotional infant feeding support
- Self-weighing facilities for children under 5
- Play activities and opportunities to meet other families
- Access to health professionals
Fun Through Food and Movement sessions provide further support in friendly, informal groups for children aged up to 5 and their parents or carers.
Breast pump loans available
Somerset Health Visitors can provide ARDO Calypso Pro breast pumps (a hospital-grade breast pump) on 3-week loans to support families during their breastfeeding or lactation journey. A single-use pump kit costs £10.
Families given an ARDO single-user pump kit in hospital should keep it so it can continue to be used in the community.
For advice or further information, contact the Somerset Health Visiting Service:
- Telephone: 0300 323 0116
- Text: 07480 635514
- Available Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Families can also attend a Healthy Little Ones group, visit the Somerset Health Visiting page or follow the service on Facebook and Instagram.
