Infant Feeding Service - St Helens Wellbeing

22/03/2026

Our Infant Feeding Drop-In Group at Sutton Family Hub on Tuesday 24th March will not be running this week.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Our next group will be on Thursday 26th March at Central Link Family Hub, and we would love to see you there.

If you need infant feeding support in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact our Infant Feeding Team on 07919 305 174 and a member of the team will be happy to help.

Thank you for your understanding 💜
St Helens Infant Feeding Team

21/01/2026

🦷 Teething can be tough - for babies and parents. 🦷

Sore gums, extra dribbling, wanting to chew everything, unsettled sleep and feeding changes can all be part of teething. Some babies sail through it, while others really feel it, and both are normal.

Gentle comfort, safe teething options and knowing what is (and isn’t) linked to teething can help you feel more confident during this stage.

🤱 Our Infant Feeding Team is here to support you - call us on 07919 305 174
📱 Anya is available 24/7 with trusted, evidence-based advice on teething and infant feeding

You’re doing your best and support is always there 💙

13/01/2026

💤 Newborn sleep can feel confusing and exhausting. 💤

If your baby only wants to sleep on you, wakes often, or doesn’t follow a “routine”, you’re not doing anything wrong. Newborn sleep is very different to adult sleep and it’s completely normal for babies to wake frequently, especially to feed.

Feeding, growth, comfort and closeness all play a role in how babies sleep in the early weeks. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and there’s no need to rush independence.

Our Infant Feeding Team is here to support you - you can call us on 07919 305 174 🤱
Anya is also available 24/7 with evidence-based information on newborn sleep whenever questions pop up, day or night. 💫

If you have any concerns about your baby or how you’re coping, you can also speak to your Health Visitor.
📞 Monday–Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm on 01744 411 277

You’re doing exactly what your baby needs 🤍

10/01/2026

You’re never alone on your feeding journey. Pop in, ask questions, or just get a bit of reassurance.

📍 St Helens Family Hubs & Children's Centres
📅 Drop-in sessions available
📞 07919 305 174
📧 [email protected]

09/01/2026

💙 Feeling the winter blues? You’re not alone. 💙

Short days, long nights, broken sleep and feeding around the clock can really take their toll, especially during winter. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, that matters.

Looking after your emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after your baby. Gentle check-ins, small moments of rest, and reaching out for support can make a real difference.

Our Infant Feeding Team is here to support you with feeding and Anya is available 24/7 if you need reassurance or information 💫

If you have any concerns about how you’re feeling, you can also speak to your Health Visitor.
📞 You can contact your Health Visiting Team Monday-Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm on 01744 411 277.

Every feed matters. Every family counts.

06/01/2026

Please be aware, check batch numbers for any formula you have. Some stores have removed all stock, others may need to be checked. All information is on the post. You can change to any stage 1 basic formula. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the team.

Nestlé is recalling specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula.

This is due to the potential presence of cereulide in the batches below. There have been no confirmed reports of any illness but if you’ve bought one don’t feed it to your baby.

The recall notice states you can get a refund: If you have purchased one of these batches, please share a photo of the product and the batch code via https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch or by calling our careline on 0800 0 81 81 80 (UK) 1800 931 832 (Ireland) and we will refund you.

You can switch to any other first stage infant formula (if you’re using a specialised milk please contact your health professional). I’m assuming the recall means the affected batches are now off the shelves but you can double check any new purchases.

Batch codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or the base of the outer box and on the side / top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas.

A list of UK products and batch numbers followed by Ireland.

You can check the Nestle website here https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/media/sma-infant-formula-follow-on-formula-recall?_kx=aXTIwfnPEjd8LOiLG1ZmN73fHEcG4TmQLvNnUBOwg7c.RuSAJw

SMA Advanced Follow on Milk 800g
• 52879722AA

SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
• 52319722BA
• 52819722AA
• 51240742F2
• 51890742F2
• 51450742F1

SMA First Infant Milk 800g
• 51170346AA
• 51170346AB
• 51340346AB
• 51580346AA
• 51590346AA
• 52760346AB
• 52760346AD
• 52780346AA

SMA First Infant Milk 400g
• 51350346AA
• 52750346AD

SMA First Infant Milk 1.2Kg
• 51340346BE
• 52740346BA
• 52750346BA

SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g
• 52740346AD
• 51220346AD
• 51540346AC

SMA Comfort 800g
• 52620742F3
• 51240742F3
• 51439722BA
• 51479722BA
• 51769722BA
• 52049722AA

SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• 52860295M
• 52870295M
• 53220295M
• 53230295M
• 52870295M
• 53030295M
• 53040295M
• 53070295M
• 53080295M

SMA First Infant Milk 70ml
• 53170742B1

SMA Lactose Free 400g
• 51719722BA
• 51759722BA
• 51829722BA
• 51979722BA
• 52109722BA
• 53299722BA
• 53459722BA
• 51150346AB
• 51500346AB

SMA Anti Reflux 800g
• 51570742F3
• 52099722BA
• 52099722BB
• 52739722BA

SMA Alfamino 400g
• 51200017Y3
• 51210017Y1
• 51220017Y1
• 51250017Y1
• 51390017Y1
• 51420017Y2
• 51430017Y1
• 51460017Y1
• 51690017Y2
• 51690017Y3
• 51700017Y1
• 51710017Y1
• 51740017Y1
• 52760017Y5
• 52790017Y1
• 52860017Y1
• 53100017Y3
• 53110017Y1
• 53140017Y1
• 53140017Y2
• 53150017Y1

Ireland batch numbers

SMA Advanced First Infant Milk 800g
• 51450742F1

SMA Advanced Follow on Milk 800g
• 51240742F2
• 51890742F2

SMA Comfort 800g
• 52620742F3

SMA First Infant Milk 200ml
• 53070295M
• 52860295M
• 52870295M
• 53220295M
• 53230295M

SMA First Infant Milk 800g
• 51590346AB
• 52750346AE

SMA GOLD PREM 2 800g
• 53090742F2

SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk 800g
• 51540346AD

SMA Alfamino 400g
• 51200017Y3
• 51210017Y1
• 51250017Y1
• 51460017Y1
• 51710017Y1

31/12/2025

🎉 Feeding Support on New Year’s Day 🎉

A brand new year… but babies still feed just the same.

Our Infant Feeding Team will be closed on New Year’s Day, but you still have round the clock support through Anya, our free digital companion for St Helens families.

With Anya, you can access support any time, anywhere, including:

✨ Evidence based breastfeeding and bottle feeding guidance
✨ 3D animations and troubleshooting videos
✨ “Talk to a Professional” - support from qualified infant feeding specialists
✨ Reassurance during those long nights or early morning feeds

Download Anya for free:

https://anya.health/sthelens/

Whether you’re starting the year with a newborn, working through a feeding challenge, or just need a bit of reassurance at 2am, Anya is here for you - 24/7.

Wishing all our St Helens families a Happy New Year. 💛🌟

24/12/2025

🎄 Feeding Support Over the Festive Period 🎄

Christmas can be magical… but babies don’t take a day off - and neither does feeding.

Our Infant Feeding Team will be closed on Christmas Day, but you’re never without support.
Thanks to our partnership with Anya, families in St Helens have free, 24/7 access to:

✨ Evidence based breastfeeding and bottle feeding support
✨ Videos and 3D animations
✨ “Talk to a Professional” - support from qualified infant feeding and midwifery experts
✨ A safe space to ask questions any time, day or night

Download Anya for free:

https://anya.health/sthelens/

Whether it’s Christmas Eve cluster feeding, Boxing Day engorgement, or just needing some reassurance at 3am - Anya is always there when you need it.

From all of us in the Infant Feeding Team, we wish you a calm and connected Christmas 💛🎄

22/12/2025

🎄✨ Festive Opening Hours ✨🎄

Here are our Infant Feeding Team opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
Whether you’re navigating cluster feeding, mixed feeding, bottle feeding, or just need a bit of reassurance, we’re here for you throughout the holidays.

Please note:
⭐ We’re open as normal throughout most of the festive period
⭐ We close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
⭐ Boxing Day runs on bank holiday hours (10am–4pm)

📱 Need support when we’re closed?
Your free Anya app is available 24/7 with evidence-based guidance, 3D animations, and “Talk to a Professional” for specialist support.

https://anya.health/sthelens/

Wishing all our families a warm and gentle festive season. 💛🎄

15/12/2025

We’re sorry to let you know that tomorrow’s drop-in group will not be running.
We apologise for any inconvenience - our next group is Thursday at Central Link.

Thank you for your understanding 💛

03/12/2025

🎄 Christmas-itis (Mastitis) - What to Look Out For 🎄

The festive season can be joyful… but it can also throw feeding out of sync.
Between rushing around, family visits, disrupted naps and seasonal bugs, some parents notice early signs of mastitis - often nicknamed “Christmas-itis.”

Mastitis is caused by inflammation, and it can come on quickly.
You might notice:

🔸 A tender, sore or hot area on the breast
🔸 Flu-like aches or chills
🔸 Feeling run down
🔸 A lump or blocked area that isn’t easing with feeding or pumping

Most cases improve with prompt, effective treatment.
Our Infant Feeding Team is here to support you - call us on 07919 305 174.

When we’re closed, Anya is available 24/7 with clear, evidence-based guidance to help you manage symptoms and know when to seek medical advice.

📱 In Anya you’ll find the latest information, including:

✨ How to manage inflammation
✨ What actually helps (and what doesn’t)
✨ When to rest, feed, or pump
✨ When to seek medical advice
✨ Webinars, articles and animations to guide you step by step

11/11/2025