Peer supporters - do you take your child(ren) to support groups?

[OneTwo345OnceICaughtAFishAlive]

I take my youngest DD, my eldest hates going so I only take her if I have to. My local area used to stop children over a year old from going to Surestart breastfeeding groups but this proved to be a problem as many peer supporters then weren't able to go to the group. Surely the whole point of peer supporters is that they ARE peers, ie breastfeeding mothers with young children

They are trying to use you as cheap substitute hcp lites. There is a potential problem when you run out of clinics or children's centres as there needs to be a spare adult so no child is unattended etc but that isn't the peers problem. Of ourselves you should have your children if you have them and want them there, the very best message for new mums.

Cheeky sods, the importance of bf and parenting all course long then leave your children and facilitate our group in support of cc stats, progress towards baby friendly status etc. who runs yours now? If they want you to work they could pay you.

I am a peer supporter - I take my children to our support group (HV-run, in a children's centre) and always have (for the past 3 years), otherwise I wouldn't be able to go. It has never been a problem because the children's centre staff have always been willing to keep an eye on them if necesary (although they do usually amuse themselves).

I find having other children around means that it's not just first-time mums that come, because people know that older siblings are welcome. It also makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Thanks all. As I understand it's an insurance issue rather than anyone having a problem with our children being there. And there is someone else, paid, running the group. It is generally a good set up, it's just a bit frustrating if other groups can work out a way to allow peer supporters to bring their children, but for some reason ours can't.