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As World Breastfeeding Week is marked this week, a local children’s centre manager has said it’s “important to offer a safe space” for mothers to discuss any stage of breastfeeding.
A trained breastfeeding supporter agreed and said: “World Breastfeeding Week is still very much needed, in Guernsey especially." Anita Davies said everyone can play a part in supporting families with breastfeeding.
“Whilst we have a great maternity support locally, we also have some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, particularly for “full term” breastfeeding,” said Ms Davies, who is also an antenatal educator and postnatal facilitator for parenting groups.
Pictured: Bright Beginnings Children's Centre offers free support for parents and children.
Ms Davies continued: “World Breastfeeding Week promotes, normalises and protects breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a public health issue and we can all play our part in supporting families with breastfeeding.”
Ms Davies has been sharing stories of breastfeeding experiences of some mothers who attend her Nurturing Birth & Beyond (NBB) postnatal course on social media.
“The posts I am making each day this week are just a snapshot from some of the families that have come through NBB," she said.
“Whilst World Breastfeeding Week is about normalising, protecting and celebrating all breast/chest feeding journeys, it can be an emotional trigger for some. This week I wanted to shine the spotlight of breastfeeding experiences happening right now in my groups.
“Despite despite many women wanting to breastfeed, many end up stopping before they are ready because countless barriers and challenges get placed in their way. We are not trying to make women try breastfeeding if they have made informed decisions not to, nor are we trying to make anyone who is unable to breastfeed feel bad."
Pictured: World Breast-feeding Week "normalises, protects and celebrates" breastfeeding.
Ms Davies continued: “We talk about breastfeeding to try and change things so that the next generation is not let down by a lack of support. In pregnancy women get the message that breastfeeding is great. Postnatally though, it is often seems as though every breastfeeding issue is met with the suggestion to just try formula instead. We need a society that values breastfeeding and supports babies and parents. I believe this will require investment in breastfeeding and families which will include practical and specialist healthcare support.”
Bright Beginnings Manger, Teresa Bott, said the children’s centre offers a free weekly drop-in session for “all stages of breastfeeding”.
“As a new mum, it can be difficult to establish breastfeeding. Our Bosom Buddies drop-in group is run by a health visitor and midwifery support worker to help mums at all stages of breastfeeding,” said Mrs Bott.
“Bosom Buddies is a safe space for mums to discuss any issue relating to breastfeeding. We promote breastfeeding as there are a lot of benefits for both baby and mum, but some mums can’t breastfeed and that’s fine too. Happy mummies mean happy babies.”
Bosom Buddies sessions are held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 14:00 at the Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre.
Bright Beginnings: call 01481 244919 or email info@brightbeginnings.gg
Nurturing Birth & Beyond: email anita@birthguernsey.co.uk
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