Midwifery and Community Health

ARU Breastfeeding Support Hub

A member of ARU staff with two members of the public and a baby in a pram at the Cambridge 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? Our Breastfeeding Support Hubs are here to support you.

How we can help

We offer a free weekly drop-in where you can:

  • access confidential support and information around all your breastfeeding needs
  • find out how human milk is made
  • ensure you get off to the best start
  • learn what to do if issues arise.

Our team is at hand to answer any of your questions.

These are welcoming environments where you can have a drink and a pastry, and chat to one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants about breastfeeding and lactation. If you don't have questions, you're welcome to chat to other parents and enjoy a relaxing morning.

Why not bring a friend? Parents, partners and friends are all welcome to join too.

When and where

You can join us in Cambridge and Chelmsford. There's no need to book – just drop in.

  • Every Tuesday from 10.30am-12pm in Cambridge
  • Every Monday 9.30am-11.30am (except bank holidays) in Chelmsford

The Cambridge hub runs from the soft seating area of the Blend café, on the first floor of the Helmore Building.

The Chelmsford hub runs in SAL010, on the ground floor of the 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 and Chelmsford

We offer drop-ins year-round, except when the University buildings are closed. This only affects a few sessions a year.

As the Chelmsford Hub runs on Mondays, it isn't open on bank holidays.

We're closed for Christmas from Monday 21 December 2026-Friday 1 January 2027, with Hubs reopening in the week commencing 4 January 2027.

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):

The hubs will also be attended occasionally by student midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses, who are training at ARU. Be assured that you’ll receive an independent and professional service, and that all support and information is given in the strictest of confidence.

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.

One of our aims is to develop capable and confident students with practical skills and experiences in human lactation.

Are you a Nursing or Midwifery student at ARU? As we support local parents you're 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.

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.