ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub
The ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub is committed to supporting those who wish to feed their baby human milk. Running from our Cambridge campus, we offer free face-to-face lactation information, support and education to families in our local community.
Are you an expectant or new parent who wants to provide human milk for your baby – and would you like more information or support?
Our team is at hand to answer any of your questions. Why not pop in and find out how human milk is made, how to ensure you get off to the best start, or what to do if issues arise. Just pop along, ask questions and receive information and support.
Testimonials from families
"Excellent manner. Quick identification of potential issue and practical tips."
"Very helpful loads of good tips."
"Welcoming and warm supportive, informative, and practical."
"Fabulous friendly advice from a really knowledgeable person."
"Great 1-2-1 advice, motivation and overall reassurance and understanding."
How we can help
We offer this drop-in year-round, except when the University buildings are closed. This only affects a few sessions a year.
We offer a free weekly drop-in every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am, where you can access confidential support and information around all your breastfeeding needs.
Get directions to our Cambridge campus.
The hub currently runs from the soft seating area of the Blend café, on the first floor of the Helmore building, due to refurbishment of the Eatery food court. This is a welcoming environment where you can sit, have a warm beverage, or pastry, and chat to one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants or Health Visitor, School Nurse, or Midwifery students about breastfeeding and lactation. Please ask reception for direction they will be happy to help.
Our friendly hub will be able to provide support, information, and education to support your breastfeeding journey and personal choices.
Why not bring a friend? Parents, partners, friends are all welcome to join too. Even if you do not have questions, you're welcome to chat to other parents and have a relaxing morning amongst like-minded people. After all, sharing your experiences with our students will help them to better support others in the future.
About us
Run by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Breastfeeding Support Hub is overseen by our own senior lecturers in nursing and midwifery, who are also International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants.
The group is also attended weekly by student Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (SCPHNs), training to become the community's next health visitors and school nurses.
Our SCPHNs are already qualified nurses or midwives and will be able to provide antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding/ lactation information and support.
The Breastfeeding Support Hub seeks to:
- offer specialist professional support around breastfeeding and lactation, to answer any questions you may have
- offer practical, social and emotional support to families
- develop capable and confident students with practical skills and experiences in human lactation.
The hub is attended by student Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, who are already on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register as nurses or midwives. Be assured that you’ll receive an independent and professional service, and that all support and information is given in the strictest of confidence.
Supporting our students' learning
Are you a student at ARU? As we support local parents you are welcome to join us, gaining valuable experiences role-modelled by competent practitioners. Just ask your Course Leader for more information on how to book your place.
Are you an expectant or new mother who's considering visiting? Please know that by attending you are supporting the growth and development of future nursing, midwifery, medical and allied health professionals, and raising the profile of breastfeeding in the community.
As a visiting student you'll:
- work with experienced nurses, midwives, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants to give support, information and practical assistance to families
- build your strengths and confidence in human lactation
- develop a range of transferable skills around communication, building rapport, running a group, and leadership to enhance your employability
- gain insight into the successes and challenges of human lactation
- make a difference to people’s lives by offering timely, tailored information that supports their lactation journey.