Mums offer breastfeeding support service

Health care staff from South Warwickshire NHS Trust (SWFT) have enlisted the help of mums to offer support to other women who wish to breastfeed.

SWFT Health Visitors have actively supported a national initiative to train local mums to act as role models to other women who wish to breastfeed; sharing experiences and offering support in an atmosphere of trust and respect. In partnership with health visiting and children centre staff, Breastfeeding Peer Volunteers Polly Hall and Alison Jack have been supporting mums in Claremont children’s centre over the past five years. During National Breastfeeding Celebration Week they have demonstrated that breastfeeding in public places is a fun opportunity to bring local mums together.

Speaking about what the support means, mum Amanda said: “Breastfeeding support has meant that I believed in myself, and stopped worrying that there was something wrong with my baby.”

Hannah, mum to 16 month old Jess added: "Without breastfeeding support, our journey would have ended before it had even begun. I will always be grateful that we were able to overcome our early issues with the support of some amazing ladies!”

Breastfeeding is hugely important to health because providing breast milk and breastfeeding has many short and long term health benefits for both mum and baby. In babies this can include a reduction in ear, chest, tummy and urinary tract infections, allergies, child hood obesity and coronary heart disease in later life. For mum breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

If you would like more information please contact your local midwife, health visitor, or children’s centre.

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