Sheffield investing nearly £1million in breastfeeding

Sheffield is encouraging more new mums to breastfeed by offering them support from women whose children have benefited from being breastfed.

A new contract has been awarded to the Action for Children charity by the Sheffield-Let’s Change4Life programme to expand the successful, “mum to mum” peer support project and ensure mothers belonging to the most deprived groups in the city get the right advice and support.

Caroline Burrows, breastfeeding lead from NHS Sheffield said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Action for Children and look forward to a comprehensive Peer Support Service being established across Sheffield.“

The new contract will mean many more women are available to speak with new mothers and give them advice on the benefits of feeding their baby breastmilk. All new mothers will be contacted within 48 hours of leaving hospital (or after a home birth) and asked whether they would like to use the service. Mothers will be given details of local weekly drop in sessions, breastfeeding cafes and antenatal and postnatal support. Women living in neighbourhoods that have low breastfeeding prevalence could also benefit from daily drop-in sessions and home visits.

Jo Zasada, Programme Manager from Action for Children said: “Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world; it gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of their lives, and also allows mums and their babies to get closer – physically and emotionally. Through the new support service we’re hoping to give Mum’s advice, support from other Mum’s that have had a positive experience, help them to feel confident about giving their baby the best start in life and support them on their breastfeeding journey.”

Cllr Alison Brelsford, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Adviser for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning, said: “I have breastfed my own two children and it is something I am strongly in favour of. Anything that can help other women do the same is a very good thing in my opinion.”

The Action For Children peer support funding has come through the Sheffield-Let’s Change4Life Programme, which aims to provide all children and families in Sheffield with the opportunity to maintain a healthy weight and remove any barriers which may prevent them from doing so.

More News