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? 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:

We offer this drop-in year-round, except when the University buildings are closed. This only affects a few sessions a year (weeks commencing 23 December and 30 December 2024; 22 April 2025).

Get directions to our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough.

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.

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.

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 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:

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: