News and events

We have been awarded funding to expand our much-loved breast pump loan service so that mums who are planning to formula feed can explore other choices.

Since 2020, we've have run, alongside the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service, a pump loan service aimed at mothers with babies who are experiencing latching difficulties or need specialist care. Now it has been announced, to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, the service is set to expand its pump loan service to mums who would otherwise use formula feed. The extra pumps have been bought following funding from HCT Charity, our charitable organisation. 

Breast pumps can be used by new mums to increase milk supply, allowing them to express milk for their babies. Pumps can range in price from £40 to £400 and there is a concern that the high cost of pumps may deter many parents from using one.

We were awarded UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Gold Standard for the fifth year in a row last month, meaning we continue to meet the highest possible practice standards.

Sarah Wren, Deputy Chair and BFI Guardian for the trust, said: “We’re so grateful to HCT Charity for the funding which has enabled us to buy an extra 20 pumps, meaning we’ll now be able to offer more than 90 pumps through our loan service. 

“While we do everything we can to encourage and support mothers to breastfeed, we know that there are lots of reasons people find it hard to breastfeed or might not be willing to give it a go. 

“Breast pumps are a great way for mothers to provide their children with breastmilk and offer an alternative to formula. 

“Breastmilk has so many good things in it, including antibodies and lactoferin, all of which can protect against infections and help with growth.”

The BFI Gold Standard recognises outstanding work supporting families with feeding and building close, loving relationships with their babies. It is the highest possible standard for health visiting and children’s centres.

Pumps are supplied free-of-charge to families. For further information contact our health visiting team or the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service on 0300 123 7572.

You can also find more information on infant feeding at the Health under 5 website.