"Breastfeeding journey"

The midwife at my ante natal appointments suggested I join the monthly breastfeeding zoom taken by Nicola (infant feeding lead) and Wendy (breast feeding specialist).

Due to previous surgery I did not know if I would be able to breastfeed and felt that I needed some additional information and support.

Nicola kindly arranged to meet me before I had my baby for an informative chat.

When I got home from hospital Nicola also came to my home to observe me feeding my baby and spotted a potential tongue tie, so I benefited from early referral to the tongue tie clinic.

Nicola continued to be very generous with her time and was really supportive, calling and messaging me to check in with my progress- even replying while on annual leave when I had mastitis.

Nicola’s support and advice was invaluable on my breastfeeding journey. Navigating the challenging early weeks of breastfeeding would have been very different without the care she provided.

Prior to having my baby Nicola had advised that I ask to see Wendy while I was on the maternity ward after giving birth. Without Wendy’s expertise and enthusiasm I am certain that I would not have had the confidence to exclusively breastfeed in the first days after giving birth.

Wendy’s role in the hospital is crucial to encourage new mothers to breastfeed and also to support them to ensure they have the confidence to continue.

It is clear that, like all the fantastic staff on the maternity ward, Wendy’s resources are stretched and she does not have enough time. It would be extremely beneficial and less stressful for mothers if there was a dedicated breastfeeding specialist available on the maternity ward every day to spend time with new mothers as they learn to breastfeed.