Karen Howell, chief executive of Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, writes for Globe.
IT'S breastfeeding celebration week.
Throughout June we have been supporting breastfeeding awareness, sharing all the support available in the community for breastfeeding families and new parents.
As some restrictions lift and we see the reopening and restarting of many services and activities, I want to take the opportunity in this week’s column to remind you that support is here for you.
Whether you are starting or growing your family, if you are pregnant, a new parent or a breastfeeding family.
For pregnant women and new parents in particular, having access to support groups, baby classes and clinics is invaluable. Not only for support, but to boost confidence and wellbeing and to learn from others too.
Picture courtesy of Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
The last 16 months have been challenging for many reasons, but it’s great to be able to welcome back face to face support, some of which went virtual during the height of the pandemic. So, with that in mind, the message this month is: we are here for you.
Across Wirral, there are safe spaces with friendly and experienced staff to support and advise on your baby’s development, breastfeeding and weaning support and baby-parent classes. From baby massage and baby yoga to Healthy Child Clinics and support groups.
To get involved and find out more about the support available, you can contact your nearest Children’s Centre for more information:
- Wallasey Children’s Centres – 0151 666 3506
- Birkenhead Children’s Centres – 0151 666 3323
- South and West Wirral Children’s Centres – 0151 666 3246.
Our friends over at Koala North West have a timetable of breastfeeding groups to support you too.
There is something every weekday across various locations, so why not go along? Book your place by calling 0151 608 8288 or drop an email to adminteam@koalanw.co.uk.
Here at the Trust, our Infant Feeding Team provides dedicated and tailored support to local breastfeeding families and their babies. You can also join the closed Facebook group.
Clare Whitehead, Infant Feeding Lead for the 0-19 service here at WCHC, encourages families to utilise the support available this Breastfeeding Awareness Month and beyond.
She said: "We are excited to see the return of our amazing Breastfeeding Support Groups run by Koala North West at a variety of locations across Wirral.
"Whilst Breastfeeding support did not stop during lockdown, many families may have felt more isolated and have struggled to meet other new parents.
"This June we encourage new breastfeeding families to book onto the groups at local children’s centres that are available once again, including Well Baby Clinics and face to face support sessions - there is something for everyone to enjoy with their baby.
"For those who are expecting a new addition to their family, there are a range of bookable antenatal wellness sessions too, covering feeding, meeting your baby’s needs and the all-important self-care.
"We are here for you."
This breastfeeding celebration week I'd also like to share a great opportunity for those to get involved with infant feeding in the community.
Koala North West offer training for women in Wirral to support families on their breastfeeding journey, by becoming a Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer.
If you are passionate about breastfeeding and would like to get involved contact admin@koalanw.co.uk or call 0151 608 8288.
Visit our website www.wchc.nhs.uk to find out more about breastfeeding awareness and the support available.
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