What to expect at an OBS in-person session
Information about attending sessions
Once you have booked a slot you are welcome to arrive at any time during this opening time of the session and to chat to other families and our volunteers before/after you have spoken to the facilitator. The earlier you can arrive, the more feeding support you are likely to get.
Session bookings have been divided into two slots. You are welcome to arrive at any time during your slot and to chat to other families and our volunteers before/after you have spoken to the facilitator. The earlier you can arrive, the more feeding support you are likely to get.
We aim to see families in the order in which they arrive, but we may need to prioritise if babies are distressed, ready/ not ready to feed etc. Thank you for your understanding about this. If you will need to leave before the end of the session, please let us know on arrival.
Please bring your red child health record book to help us support you.
Please complete our data collection form as soon as possible, before you attend the session. This will save time and enable us to support you effectively on the day of your visit.
If you are unable to attend after all, PLEASE CANCEL YOUR BOOKING using the button at the bottom of your Calendly confirmation or reminder email as places at this session are very limited and this may enable another family to attend.
If you have any queries, you can contact us by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Is OBS for me?
You can expect a friendly welcome from our team.
The most valuable support for feeding is often from experienced parents, and an important part of our mission is to connect families with each other. If you are not comfortable feeding in front of other visitors, please let us know. You are welcome to email us in advance of your visit, or ask to talk to the facilitator privately. Due to venue and staffing constraints we are unable to guarantee a private feeding area at every session, but we will always do our best to meet your needs.
At our sessions you might see babies being breastfed, chestfed, being fed by bottle, cup, nursing supplementer (lactation aid), finger-feeding, using nipple shields, and more. You might see people expressing their milk in a variety of ways. Babies might be drinking their parent’s milk, donated breastmilk (find our Milk Sharing policy here) or formula milk. We know that every family’s feeding journey is unique. Whatever stage you’re at, from pregnancy onwards, and whatever feeding looks like for you, we are here to help. You can read our Mission Statement and our Equality & Diversity Policy.
We offer the Language Line interpretation service during our in-person sessions and virtual 1:1 consultations by video and phone. When booking an in-person slot via Calendly you can mention your needs in the section that asks about your breastfeeding issue or problem.
You may find it helpful to download the free Otter Voice Meeting Notes app that will listen to your consultation and transcribe your conversation in real time, as well as saving it to look back over later.
It is important to us that you feel satisfied with your experience of our service, and we welcome feedback. You can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our Feedback Form.
Last updated: July 2023
