Why having the right people around you can make all the difference
Breastfeeding might be something only one person can physically do, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
From a partner who brings you a drink during a long feed to a friend who understands when you need to talk, a midwife who answers your questions or another breastfeeding parent who simply says, “Me too” — support can take many different forms.
For Black Breastfeeding Week 2026, the theme “WE ALL WE GOT: 14 Years of Community, Care and Collective Power” has put a spotlight on the importance of community and the people who help us through our breastfeeding journeys.
Over on Boobingit, we recently explored this idea by asking four women about the people who have been part of their breastfeeding circles. Their stories showed just how different those circles can look — from partners and family to friends, online communities and other breastfeeding parents.
Read the full Boobingit article: Black Breastfeeding Week: Who’s In Your Breastfeeding Circle?
Their stories also got us thinking about our own support networks.
Because sometimes, we know we’re supported — but we haven’t stopped to think about who is actually in our circle, what support they can offer and where we might need to build new connections.
That’s why we’ve created My Breastfeeding Support Circle, a free printable designed to help you do just that.
Meet My Breastfeeding Support Circle
Your breastfeeding support circle is made up of the people, services and communities you can turn to throughout your feeding journey.
It might include:
- Your partner or co-parent
- Family members
- Friends
- Your midwife or health visitor
- An IBCLC or breastfeeding counsellor
- Local breastfeeding support groups
- Online breastfeeding communities
- Your employer or colleagues
- Other breastfeeding parents
Some circles are large. Others are small.
There is no right size or shape for a breastfeeding support circle. What matters is having people you can turn to when you need encouragement, practical help, information or simply someone who understands.
Introducing our free printable
My Breastfeeding Support Circle gives you space to map out the people and organisations that are part of your breastfeeding journey.
You can use it to think about:
- Who is already there to support you
- Who you can turn to for different kinds of help
- Important contact details you might want to have close at hand
- Where you might like to build new connections
Whether you’re expecting your first baby, breastfeeding now or preparing to return to work, it’s a simple way to pause and think about the community around you.
Ardo Mum Hollie returning to work with the Ardo Alyssa breast pump
Your circle can grow with you
Your breastfeeding support circle doesn’t have to be fully formed before your baby arrives.
In fact, it may change considerably as your breastfeeding journey develops.
You might discover a local breastfeeding group after your baby is born. You might find an online community that becomes an important source of reassurance. You might meet another parent who becomes a friend. Or you might realise that you need to ask someone close to you for more practical support.
And if your circle feels small right now, that’s okay too.
Support networks grow over time.
You don’t have to do it alone
The stories we heard from the Boobingit community reminded us that breastfeeding support doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Sometimes it’s practical.
Sometimes it’s emotional.
Sometimes it’s professional.
Sometimes it’s simply knowing that someone else understands.
Whatever your breastfeeding journey looks like, we hope My Breastfeeding Support Circle helps you recognise the people already in your corner — and perhaps identify where you could find a little more support.
Download your free printable and start building your breastfeeding support circle today.
