The LLLGB National Helpline is open from 8am to 11pm, 365 days a year.
Calls are answered by volunteer breastfeeding counsellors (LLL Leaders) from their own homes: they are mothers who have breastfed their own children and will listen to your questions, offering practical suggestions and warm support. They have the most up-to-date breastfeeding information available to help you make the decisions that are right for you and your baby.
The Leader you speak to can help you find local breastfeeding support. You can also search for your local group here and find breastfeeding articles and information here.
If you leave a message our Callback Team of Leaders will get back to you within 24 hours (but more usually within 2-3 hours).
Introducing some of our Helpline Leaders
Elizabeth, LLL Waltham Forest, London
I was born in Tanzania but mainly lived in Yorkshire before moving to London for my first job after university. I am married with four children aged 10-15.
I work outside the home part time fitted around my children’s school days, and lead LLL meetings three times a month.
I log on the Helpline when I can and then get on with other things I have to do while at home. When the landline rings it is usually a national or local call, better that than someone trying to sell me PPI!
It is really rewarding and very simple in concept. A mother (usually) phones from her home to mine with a question or need. I can look things up if need be and send follow up emails and link her with her local group if she wants that.
My family know when it is a Helpline call by the way I answer it. They are pretty good at miming that they want a biscuit or to go on the computer when I am on a call as they know I am more likely to nod to them so I can give my focus to the mum on the call. Even the cat asks for food when I am on a call. I know they benefit from knowing I help mums in this way, as long as it is built around the principle of ‘family first’ of course.
Efrat, LLL West Sussex
I started taking helpline calls as soon as I was accredited as an LLL Leader. I thought it would be scary and stressful especially considering that English is my second language but it turned out that it’s a very rewarding and effective way to help mothers when they really need support and information. Having someone listen to you when you really need it is priceless!
One time I was about to finish a helpline call and asked the mother (as I almost always do) if she knows if there’s a local meeting near her. She asked me what an LLL meeting is, I explained in general and she said it sounded great and then asked if I run meetings. I said I did and she said something about how nice it would have been if she could come to my meetings because she felt she knows me already. She then gave me her postcode so I could check what her nearest meeting is and I thought she was pulling my leg or something because she lived just down the road from me! We both laughed and she came to my meetings for the next few months! Find your local group/ meeting here.
Anna, LLL Market Harborough
Even though my family are now all adults and I have three grandchildren, I am still involved with LLL. While much of my work within the organisation is to do with providing written information I still love to take calls on the Helpline. I know how important it is to have someone to talk to who understands that breastfeeding is not always easy but can offer practical suggestions and provide a listening ear.
Chloe, LLL West Sussex
Most evenings I do at least one thing for LLL, whether it be Helpline or admin or reading or following up with mothers. What I like about the Helpline is knowing that you are there for mothers in their time of need, no matter how big or small the issue. Some mothers simply need reassurance that what they are doing is just fine but have not been given it yet, others have more complex issues which need really talking through and plans of action need to be discussed but every mother I speak to has reached out for support and being able to provide that is invaluable.
When I am logged onto the helpline whilst kids are about, I explain to them that I may have to pop off upstairs and need some peace and quiet and my daughter is usually pretty good at keeping her brother occupied and reminding him I’m busy should he try and disturb me!
One afternoon I forgot to log off before I started cooking dinner. The phone rang whilst I was making shepherd’s pie and I really didn’t want to leave it unanswered which meant juggling the call and mashing potatoes and trying to keep my two hungry, whiney children out of the kitchen! Luckily their Dad turned up and was able to keep them amused whilst I finished the call and got the pie in the oven.
children entertaining themselves while their mum takes a call!