A breastfeeding support group in Basingstoke is facing a significant funding gap.

NCT Basingstoke, held every Friday morning at Brookvale Village Hall, has helped hundreds of parents over the years.

Staffed by trained NCT breastfeeding counsellors, the service provides much-needed assistance for parents navigating the challenges of infant feeding, whether it's breastfeeding, expressing milk, mixed feeding, or even stopping breastfeeding.

The service, which offers free to all local parents, has been supporting families since 2011, but it is now at risk without new sources of funding.

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It costs the group approximately £25 per appointment, and with demand still high, NCT Basingstoke is calling for community help to "pay it forward" and ensure this vital support continues as its current grant from Tesco is ending.

"Many of the families we see are feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable. Often, their babies are just a few days old when they come to us for help," said Sarah Crowdy, a member of the NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor team.

The clinic runs alongside the Bumps and Babies group, making it a convenient resource for new parents in the community.

The service relies heavily on grants and donations to remain free and accessible.

Without renewed funding, the future of this critical support system is uncertain. To help bridge the gap, NCT Basingstoke has set up a JustGiving page where supporters can make secure donations directly to the group.

The counsellor team is urging anyone who has benefitted from the service, or who wants to help local parents in need, to consider making a donation.

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To donate and help keep this service available to all parents in the Basingstoke area, visit the NCT Basingstoke JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/basingstokenctbreastfeeding. 

All donations will go directly toward supporting more families through one of the most challenging and rewarding stages of parenthood.

For more information or to book an appointment, email hantsbf@gmail.com.