When I began my breastfeeding journey over fifteen years ago, the level of information and breastfeeding support was very limited. I attended a breastfeeding workshop, which was a two hour group session with my midwife, who happened to be the breastfeeding expert in our area.
I knew that I wanted to breastfeed and was adamant that I would, regardless, I never bought any bottles, or a steriliser. I am one of those people that needs to know as much information as I can about a subject beforehand, so I went to the local library and found as many books as I could about childbirth and breastfeeding, and spent the pregnancy reading them all.
Many things have changed over the last fifteen years, and the level of support and information about breastfeeding has increased quite significantly.
When Tyrus was born two years ago I was offered a telephone call from the local breastfeeding team, however I felt quite well equipped to deal with my sixth, but it was nice to know if I did have any problems that someone was at the end of a telephone.
The breastfeeding team consists of a group of trained breastfeeding practitioners who are always on hand to answer any questions or queries, they arrange visits to see new breastfeeding mums and their babies, if ever there is a problem someone is always available to help. They also have a number of voluntary peer supporters who work alongside them.
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| My lovely purple tunic! |
As the months went by, I made the decision that I had been very fortunate with my breastfeeding journey, although I knew many that hadn’t and as it is something I am very passionate about, I enquired about using my knowledge and experience to help others.
In March 2012 I undertook a two day UNICEF training course to become a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter.
The area that I am in is Great Yarmouth & Waveney, and the group of supporters that we have are just fab.
Below is a little bit about us :
Breast Friends are a dedicated group of peer supporters, trained in Breastfeeding Management by the UNICEF trained NHS East Coast Community Healthcare Breastfeeding Team.
We are all mothers with personal experience of breastfeeding who come from a variety of backgrounds with very different experiences of our breastfeeding journey.
We are always available at the local Baby Cafes to support mums before and during their breastfeeding experience.
You will also find us offering help and advice at the local hospital, on the maternity ward, delivery suite and Special Care Baby unit.
I love visiting the Baby Cafe and spending time with the new mums and their bundles of joy, and love helping in any way I can. I also help to run a breastfeeding workshop once a month to provide information for mums to be and their partners, very much like the original one I attended and also with the same midwife that supported me all those years ago, so I know they are being given the best support. I am also on the postnatal ward every Monday morning, helping new mums with any breastfeeding problems or queries or just to offer support.
I adore being a Peer Supporter and once this little bundle is born I shall definitely look to doing this as a full time career.
Who did you go to for support and how did they help you with your breastfeeding ?
My hisband is my biggest supporter, though I am also very lucky to have several support groups locally too – shout out to my Bosom Buddies at Poole Old Town!
My mother in law was my biggest supporter.
My husband, all the way, I would never have got through the hard work and soreness it took at the beginning if it wasn’t for his love, support and encouragement. So grateful for this.
My hubby