ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub
Are you an expectant or new parent who wants to provide human milk for your baby? Would you like more information or support? The ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub is committed to supporting you.
Running from our Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough campuses, we offer free face-to-face lactation information, support and education to families in our local community.
Our team is at hand to answer any of your questions. You can find out how human milk is made, how to ensure you get off to the best start, and what to do if issues arise. Just drop in, ask questions and receive information and support.
The Breastfeeding Support Hub is one of the many services ARU offers to its communities. Find out more about our community services and projects and their impact locally, internationally, and globally.
How we can help
We offer a free weekly drop-in where you can access confidential support and information around all your breastfeeding needs:
- every Tuesday from 10.30am-12pm in Cambridge
- every Wednesday 10am-12pm in Peterborough
- every Friday 10am-12pm in Chelmsford.
We offer drop-ins year-round, except when the University buildings are closed. This only affects a few sessions a year.
Chelmsford Breastfeeding Hub is closed 22 and 29 August 2025.
All hubs are closed for Christmas (Monday 22 December 2025–Friday 2 January 2026 inclusive) and Easter (Monday 30 March–Friday 10 April 2026 inclusive).
These are welcoming environments 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.
Our friendly hubs 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.
Where to find us
- The Cambridge hub runs from the soft seating area of the Blend café, on the first floor of the Helmore Building.
- The Peterborough hub runs in our University House building on Bishop's Road. Please ask reception for directions as you come in.
- The Chelmsford hub runs in SAL 010, on the ground floor of our Salmon Building. Parking is available directly outside the building, in the Mildmay car park off Chelmer Valley Road – to enter, press the 'help' button on the barrier and let our parking team know you're attending the Breastfeeding Support Hub.
Get directions to our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough.
Meet the team
Run by the School of Midwifery and Community Health, the Breastfeeding Support Hub is overseen by our own senior lecturers in nursing and midwifery, some of whom are also International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs):
- Amanda Wagg
- Maxine Wallis-Redworth
- Holly Ingram
- Kate Allan
- Rachel Rose
- Stephanie Fowler
- Martina Donaghy
- Caroline Smith
The hubs will also be attended occasionally by student midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, who are training at the University. Be assured that you’ll receive an independent and professional service, and that all support and information is given in the strictest of confidence.
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.
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."
Supporting our students' learning
By attending the hub, you'll be supporting the growth and development of future nursing, midwifery, medical and allied health professionals, and raising the profile of breastfeeding in the community.
Are you a Nursing or Midwifery 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.
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.