Whether it’s your first or your fourth, having a baby is a life-changing experience that brings with it new emotions and new responsibilities.
In between sleepless nights, changing nappies, and adjusting to your new family dynamics, you must also navigate the infant feeding journey.
Breastfeeding has many benefits for mum, baby and the environment.
Tailor-made for each child, breastmilk is filled with nutrients and antibodies that ensure the health and wellbeing of an infant through to adulthood. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diarrhoea, vomiting, infections and obesity.
Health benefits extend to mums, too, lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
However, feeding remains a very personal decision.
In Barnsley, breastfeeding rates are lower than the UK average. At birth, 60 percent of babies are breastfed, but this falls to 33 percent after the first eight weeks; the national average is 49 percent.
Around 80 percent of Barnsley mums who breastfed say they stopped before they’d initially planned to. This can be for various reasons, such as a lack of confidence to feed in public or fear of being judged.
A public health initiative in Barnsley is giving everyone a part to play in changing the cultural norms and creating a more supportive community that advocates breastfeeding.
Funding from the government’s Start for Life programme has enabled Barnsley Council’s Children and Young People’s public health team and Barnsley Hospital to jointly set up a midwifery-led tongue-tie clinic.
Within the 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service, a new specialist clinical lead for infant feeding has been recruited and they launched their Anytime. Anywhere awareness campaign featuring real Barnsley mums.
Businesses can also sign up to the Barnsley Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, signalling to parents that they offer a safe and welcoming space to feed their infants.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you have a legal right to breastfeed anywhere. But the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme gives extra reassurance that venues are supportive of breastfeeding, and you won’t need to find a private space elsewhere.
As part of their commitment to the scheme, staff should be welcoming, kind and helpful to breastfeeding mothers and provide some privacy by rearranging furniture or creating a separate or private space.
Participating venues receive a certificate and stickers for their windows so families can easily identify them as Breastfeeding Welcome. There is also an online directory to help parents find venues near them, from libraries and leisure centres to cafes, restaurants and even dentists.
For mums, realising there’s nothing embarrassing about breastfeeding is the ultimate confidence boost for feeding in public. So, if you see someone breastfeeding, a word of encouragement may be appreciated.
Barnsley mum Loreta exclusively breastfed baby Nora for six months. She says: “The first time I breastfed in public was in a coffee shop. I was so nervous; I was sweating and my hands were trembling. Once she latched on, I was looking around to see if anyone was looking at us. But the world didn’t stop because I was nursing in public. From that point it was just plain sailing. I think it’s amazing that I produce everything that my baby needs; it’s incredible that my body can do that.”
As well as providing all the essential nutrition, breastfeeding is also convenient, with no worrying about sterilising bottles or finding hot water to make up formula. But it’s a new skill for both a mother and baby to learn and can take some time and practice to get the hang of it.
If you’re a breastfeeding mum and are finding things a little difficult, take things one feed at a time, one day at a time. Remember the hard times won’t last forever and you’re doing a great job.
If you need help with the practical or emotional side of infant feeding, you can access various support services in Barnsley.
There’s a breastfeeding group that meets Wednesday mornings between 10am and 11am at the Library @ The Lightbox. Whether you’re pregnant, a new parent, are looking to transition to solid foods, or planning to work while breastfeeding, join other parents and the infant feeding team to discuss all things babies and feeding. There are plans for a group in the Dearne area, too.
The Barnsley infant feeding team has a Facebook page where they share tips, information, and support services available. There is also the Barnsley Natter and Nurse Facebook page.
On Thursday 30th January between 11am and 2.30pm, the Barnsley children and young people’s public health team is hosting a breastfeeding celebratory event at the Metrodome. Lunch is provided and there will be an interactive sensory play session for babies and toddlers.
Find out more at www.barnsley.gov.uk/InfantFeeding where you’ll find further links to the newly created virtual family hub and how to join the Barnsley Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.
Breatfeeding support services in Barnsley:
0-19 Public Health Nursing Service
01226 774411 – Speak to a health visitor or infant support worker.
Mon to Thurs 8.45am -4.45pm & Fri, 8.45am-4.15pm
Barnsley Hospital Maternity Unit
01226 432242 – Speak to a member of the maternity team.
24hr access in the first weeks after birth.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 100 0212 – Speak to a trained breastfeeding supporter. Multiple languages, hearing and speech impairment services.
24hr phone helpline and webchat 9am – 9pm
