‘I couldn’t have continued without their support’ – mums praise local breastfeeding team after prestigious award

This has been achieved as part of a collaborative Northern Lincolnshire approach with maternity units at Grimsby and Scunthorpe, RDaSH (Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust) Health Visiting and North Lincolnshire Public Health colleagues. Both North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council’s infant feeding teams have played a crucial role in achieving the gold award.

The Northern Lincolnshire Baby Friendly Initiative Group was set up to support women, providing help and advice during pregnancy and post-birth around feeding and building a close and loving relationship with their baby.

Their support has received high praise among local mums…

 “I found them really supportive and always super welcoming,” said Jo Wagstaff, mum to 14-month old Rudy. “If ever I was worried about something, which was a lot, I always came away feeling like my experience was normal. They were all great, but especially Clare.”

Katie Baker, mum to 14-month-old Iris, said: “My first experience with the infant feeding team was in the hospital shortly after my baby was born.

“They had given me support and also a leaflet for how to contact them should I need anything further. I contacted them a few weeks after my baby was born as I was struggling with breastfeeding.

“I went in to see them and saw a lovely lady called Clare, who helped me greatly. We checked that my baby was latching properly and she showed me different positions to hold my baby to feed. 

“She informed me of the breastfeeding groups I could attend where you can also weigh your baby. She also called several times to see how I was getting on.”

Katie added: “I even contacted her months later when I was worried that my supply might be reducing and again, she was a great support. I am still on my breastfeeding journey, and I believe couldn't have continued as long as I have without their support.”

Trudi Ward, infant feeding team lead at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I would like to say what an amazing achievement this award is. It really highlights the amazing  standard of  support our health visiting and infant feeding team provide along with our maternity colleagues to the families in our borough, working alongside families to support them to make informed choices about feeding their baby, providing consistent information that is based on the most up-to-date evidence. Supporting their breastfeeding journey is so important and makes such a big difference.”

Infant feeding peer supporter, Kathryn Hall (pictured), who breastfeeds her 18-month-old son, was motivated to join the team after the support she received.

"Breastfeeding is one of the achievements I am most proud of, and I'm thrilled to say I'm still breastfeeding my son at almost 18 months,” said Kathryn.

“Although it is so natural, breastfeeding wasn't easy for me in the early days. The infant feeding team provided me ongoing support through various issues, which was essential for continuing my journey. The support and reassurance myself and so many others have received from the team is what encouraged me to apply for the role of infant feeding peer supporter and I'm now lucky enough to be supporting other local women with their own breastfeeding journeys."

Having started the journey jointly in 2009, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire have been recognised for working together to implement the programme in a strong collaborative approach with acute and community sectors.

“I am extremely proud that the service has attained the Baby Friendly Gold award,” said Janet Burrows, head of Public Health Nursing at North East Lincolnshire Council. “This is a great achievement and testimony to the hard work to everyone who has made a positive contribution on this journey. This wouldn’t have been possible without support from colleagues in North Lincolnshire and NLaG and the commitment of staff to provide high quality care.”

Melanie Hill, children’s health specialist lead for health visiting at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “The Baby Friendly Gold award is the highest level of accreditation and celebrates excellent and sustained practice in the support of infant feeding and parent-infant relationships. This is the highest accolade we can receive, and our service received excellent feedback.”

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “This award highlights the dedication and commitment of all teams involved. This would not have been possible without them, and I would like to congratulate those striving to make a difference.”