Breastfeeding & Mental Health Support in London
Welcome on board the Breastfeeding Boat on Regent’s Canal.
Free breastfeeding support in a calm and welcoming space, with daily drop-in sessions. No appointment needed.
Alongside this, as a certified psychologist I also offer individual mental health support for anyone who needs a little more personal care or guidance.
Free breastfeeding drop-in sessions
The Breastfeeding Boat is a floating drop-in space for breastfeeding support moored on Regent’s Canal in East London, between Angel, Victoria Park and Mile End.
It is a small, cosy space where you can step away from the noise of the city and the pressure to bounce back. Simply focus on you and your baby for a while.
For anyone who could benefit from personalised compassionate care, as a qualified and registered psychologist I also offer 1:1 mental health support.
Monday to Friday 9am-12pm. Check our Instagram for the recent location or feel free to contact me.
Who is welcome to the drop-in sessions
You are welcome at any part of your journey
- You are in the first weeks after birth, wanting support, reassurance, or connection.
- You experienced issues with breastfeeding and want to share your story to someone who understands.
- You are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, mixed feeding or unsure what to do.
What you'll find onboard
Cosy, calm space
And yes, there is heating in the winter!
Safe space to just be
A place to feed, rest, chat and just be
Mental Health Support
1:1 therapy sessions with a certified psychologist
About Renate
Hi, I’m Renate
I’m the person behind the Breastfeeding Boat. I offer free, accessible breastfeeding support in East London and create a calm, supportive space where you can feel safe and heard on any part of your journey.
As a licensed psychologist, I also offer individual mental health support for anyone who need a little more time or guidance. I work gently and intuitively, supporting you through emotional challenges and life transitions.
Whether you come onboard for breastfeeding support or are looking for more personal mental health support, you are welcome here.
Why breastfeeding support matters
Only around 1% of mothers in the UK are still exclusively breastfeeding at six months, as recommended by the WHO. 8 out of 10 stop earlier than they want to, often because of pain, lack of support or feeling they have no options.
On the Breastfeeding Boat, you are not a number or a case. You are a parent doing your best in a system that often does not give you the time, calm and continuity you need.
Here, you get space to ask questions, talk through what has happened so far and decide what feels right for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Breastfeeding Boat is a floating drop-in space in London where you’re welcome for breastfeeding support in a calm, safe environment.
The boat is moored along Regent’s Canal in London, between Angel, Victoria Park and Mile End. The exact location can change, so follow us on Instagram for the most up-to-date mooring spot.
You can drop in Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Check-out our up to date schedule on Instagram.
No appointment is needed for drop-in sessions.
For a 1:1 therapy session (by appointment), you can book a time slot via the calender.
Anything that may come up around breastfeeding. In the early days, topics like latching, mixed feeding, uncertainty, sleepless nights, or simply needing reassurance and someone to talk things through with. For older babies, questions like how and when to stop breastfeeding can be discussed. If breastfeeding didn’t go as hoped, you’re warmly welcome to share your story and make space for any grief or feelings that may still be held.
Yes. Your little one is welcome to our 1:1 sessions, as paying a babysitter as well as a therapist might be a barrier. There is space for your pram, and there are some toys too.
Yes. The drop-in breastfeeding support is free and peer-led by trained volunteers.
Yes. Mental health support sessions are available on request. Therapy is 50 minutes, by appointment only, and costs £50 excluding VAT. Book your slot here.
Learn more about the Breastfeeding Boat
Want to know how this project started and why a boat? Watch our short film on YouTube.
We share more about the vision behind the boat, how it started and the people involved.
Stay connected
Keep an eye on our Instagram page for:
- This week’s location and opening times
- Updates, stories and upcoming events
- Information for professionals who want to signpost families to the boat
The boat can also be booked for short stays via Airbnb