What is the Infant Feeding Peer Support service and why are we offering it?
A survey conducted by Public Health England in 2016 highlighted themes around uncertainty with how to breastfeed, what to consider when breastfeeding, and embarrassment around breastfeeding in public as potential barriers. The survey found that communication campaigns to help address uncertainties and educate mothers are necessary as well as offering peer-to-peer and group support schemes, especially to reduce inequalities between groups. At the same time, mothers who cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed should be respected with support and infant feeding education provided.
With face-to-face ongoing support in the community being a key aspect of improving breastfeeding and maternal mental health, Oswestry Community Action OCA) host peer support groups in Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Ludlow and will look to further extend the service into other areas. These groups will provide support and evidence-based information on everything from exploring breast/chest feeding and introducing solids to returning to work or study. Most importantly the groups are there for families to meet others in similar positions and to grow their support network even more, whilst enabling them to share tips, tricks and experiences between themselves.
Market Drayton
Infant Feeding and Cuddle Collective Collab – Market Drayton
Shrewsbury
Infant Feeding Peer Support Group – Shrewsbury
Ludlow
Infant Feeding Peer Support Group – Ludlow
Infant Feeding Peer Support Group – Ludlow
Infant Feeding Peer Support Group – Ludlow
Oswestry
No events are found.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of support are offered during the session?
Whilst we jam-pack our groups with different support and evidence-based information, here is a brief overview of the areas we support:
- Thinking about how to feed your baby
- Starting your breast/ chestfeeding journey
- What to expect in the early days/ weeks
- Expressing and storing milk
- Introducing solids
- Breast/ chestfeeding challenges
- Responsive feeding
- Returning to work/ study
- Offering a non-biased listening ear and safe space
- Meet other families who are going through the same experiences as you are
How long do the groups last?
The groups run for around two hours, but please feel free to come and go as you wish as we understand that the times don’t always suit everyone’s schedule.
What is the cost of the event and do I have to book?
These groups are completely free of charge and no booking is required!
Can I bring a pushchair with me?
Yes! All of our venues are chosen with accessibility in mind. Most of our venues are ground floor level, but those that are based upstairs all have lift facilities. There is also ample room for popping your pram to one side during the session. Please note, some of our venues have a doorbell to ring for access to the groups. Give it a push and a volunteer will answer the door and greet you.
Do the venues have baby changing facilities?
All of our venues have baby changing facilities, so you can be rest assured there’s somewhere to take your little ones when you need to.
Can I bring along other siblings or members of my support network too?
Partners, grandparents, close friends, siblings are all welcome to join you at our groups. Your support network is as valuable to us as it is you so please bring along anyone who you feel would benefit attending the sessions!
Can I access the information you share at the groups outside the sessions?
We provide support and lots of evidence-based information during the session. We have tried pulling everything together into one place to make sure all of this information is accessible to you outside of the sessions too, take a look at our Padlet for more details.
Become a Volunteer Peer Supporter
We will also have volunteering opportunities to train with The Breastfeeding Network as a Peer Supporter to support local families across Shropshire very soon. This training will be advertised and recruited by The Breastfeeding Network in partnership with OCA. Please keep an eye on our social media or visit The Breastfeeding Network website to find out more about becoming a volunteer.