UHNM launches new online breastfeeding support
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has launched a new online breastfeeding tool to help maternity patients access clear and accessible infant feeding information in one place.
Developed by UHNM’s Infant Feeding Team in partnership with the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) and the Breastfeeding Network Stoke, the online portal was created in response to feedback from families who wanted easier access to trusted information alongside printed materials.
The portal is now live and available to all UHNM maternity patients via an online link or QR code provided by staff, allowing information to be accessed quickly on mobile devices at home, on the ward or on the move.
Aimee Hodgetts, lead infant feeding midwife at UHNM, said: “This gives families one simple place where they can access trusted, evidence-based infant feeding information whenever they need it. During pregnancy and after birth families are often given a lot of different information at once, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming or difficult to know where to go back to.
“We’ve brought everything together in one clear, easy-to-navigate space, this includes antenatal information, infant feeding support such as positioning and attachment, skin-to-skin contact, tongue-tie information and common feeding challenges, along with videos and guidance that families can return to as often as they need.
“It’s particularly helpful in those early days when things can feel very new. Being able to scan a QR code and instantly access trusted support, whether you’re still in hospital or back at home can make a real difference to confidence and reassurance. It also links directly to wider national and local support so families know exactly where else they can turn if they need additional help.
“The portal also brings together information on local antenatal classes, support services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and resources hosted through the Baby Friendly Initiative. It supports families from pregnancy through to the postnatal period and complements an existing neonatal Padlet already in use within UHNM services.”
Information is also available in seven languages including Polish, Arabic and Urdu.
Nikki Gallagher, service manager for the Breastfeeding Network Stoke, said: “Support across the whole journey from pregnancy through to going home and beyond is really important. Families don’t experience maternity care in separate parts, so it makes sense that information should be brought together in one place that is easy to access and easy to understand.
“It also means families can access support in their own time, revisit information when they need to, and feel more confident about where to go for help.”
The Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) lead for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “The idea for the Padlet came directly from what families told us. They wanted breastfeeding information and support that is easy to access, at a time that suits them. This resource has been designed with and for local families, bringing together trusted information in one place.”
Aimee added: “Staff across UHNM maternity services now have QR codes available on lanyards and posters so families can access the Padlet easily during their care. We’ve also added the QR code to maternity leaflets to make it even easier for families to access the information when they need it.
“We are also continuing to promote our breastfeeding telephone support service, delivered in partnership with the Breastfeeding Network. Launched in November, the service provides follow-up support calls for families in the Stoke-on-Trent postcode area after discharge from hospital.”