COVID-19 UPDATE: this section will be updated in due course as services return to normal, in the meantime there’s a handy summary here of Antenatal & Postnatal Support-2021.
If you run a relevant activity or business that’s not listed yet (or if you’re a parent with a recommendation) please feel free to get in touch with details.
Basic listings are free, information on upgraded listings (with up to 200 words, social media links & photos) can be found here.
📌 Grange Villa Community Centre, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH2 3LN
📆 Open Mon-Fri for 2h play sessions.
(plus private hire options on weekends and special events selected dates)
👉 From £5 (sibling discounts available). Book here.
Dream Big is an amazing children’s role play centre, we also have a dedicated baby area & oodles of outdoor space! And of course a lovely cafe.
There’s a packed programme of weekly activities and special events, including:
Play sessions Sensory snug Baby massage Messy play Baby rhyme and social Sweaty Mama fitness class Baby weaning sessions Breastfeeding group run by a trained NHS breastfeeding peer supporterThursdays 9.30 – 11am
(weekly, commencing 20th May 2021)
The Nest, 417 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AN
Tel: 07715 577 047
We are a friendly social group which provides a supportive space for breastfeeding women. We aim to create a ‘breastfeeding support village’ where mums can meet, chat and make new friends! For breastfeeding mums of babies and children of all ages and pregnant women wishing to learn more about breastfeeding.
Free to attend.
Wednesdays 1.30 – 3pm
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, Gateshead, NE9 7TU
Thursdays 10 – 11.30am
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 5EZ
All year round
Tel: 0191 433 6300
A relaxed group led by a Health Visitor for support with breastfeeding and to share experiences. Pregnant ladies are also welcome.
Free, drop-in.
Deckham Children’s Centre, Elgin Road, Gateshead, NE9 5PA
Tel: 0191 433 5100
Save money by renting a breast pump.
£20 first month’s hire.
£15 for each following month.
Must be Toy Library member, £10 per year or £5.50 for 6 months.
Tel: 0191 445 2763
Chowdene Childrens Centre: 1st Tuesday of the month, 1.30-3.30pm.
Blaydon Childrens Centre: 2nd Monday of the month, 10am-12pm.
QE Maternity Unit: 3rd Monday of the month, 2-4pm.
QE Maternity Unit: Last Tuesday of the month for couples, 2-4pm.
Providing knowledge and practical skills, giving support in making informed decisions on feeding your baby
All sessions free of charge.
Recommended from 34 weeks of pregnancy.
1st & 3rd Friday of the month, 10 – 11.30am
Cup and Cake, 3 High West St, Gateshead, NE8 1EH
2nd Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 12pm
Thought Foundation, Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley, DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 416 7891
Meetings led by an accredited La Leche League breastfeeding counsellor, to share your experiences whether pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to and wanting to learn more about it.
QE Maternity, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Tel: 0191 445 2763
If you have any problems with breastfeeding, it’s important to seek advice from a specialist as soon as possible. You can contact the maternity unit and a home visit from a Lactation Consultant may be arranged.
Common breastfeeding problems and NHS advice can be found here. The NHS also provide a Facebook Messenger service Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend for fast, friendly, trusted advice anytime, day or night.
