Breastfeeding Peer Supporters

[GillL]

I'm pg with number 2 and I'd like to give bf another go. I gave up really early with dd because the midwives that came round for the first 5 days refused to send round the breastfeeding counsellor. Once the 'nice' midwife arrived and agreed to send the bf counsellor round it was too late because I was already sore and bleeding and crying in pain at every feed.

I've found out that Surestart have breastfeeding peer supporters in our area. I just wanted to know if anyone has any experience of these or is a peer supporter. Ideally I need someone to come round on day 1 to show me what to do so I don't end up in the same situation as last time (even if it is a bank holiday or Sunday). Does anyone know how it works?

Think it works differently in different areas tbh. I have trained as a bf "helper" with the Breastfeeding Network. A lot of areas have bf support groups and it may be useful to go to something like that before baby's born, it would certainly give you some good contacts and maybe more confidence. Surestart should know of the groups or you could contact BfN or NCT to find out about local groups. If you're feeling like this then I think you're right to get as much info as you can. It can and hopefully will be a completely different experience second time around.

Good luck

Gill, good for you for thinking ahead

Most peer supporters are not trained to help with non-latching babies, but some of them are very skilled and experienced, and may well be able to support you getting off to a good start, before any major problems emerge.

In some areas, they 'buddy you up' with a local peer supporter antenatally....it's all so different in different places the only thing you can do is to call and ask what the set up is. There may be nothing at all in your locality

When this baby is born, perhaps it will help to talk to a midwife about how difficult it was last time and how determined you are. Maybe that way you can ensure a more personal 'service'.

Good luck.

Gill - I am nowhere near being a professional, but I enjoy giving moral/personal experience support on MN and elsewhere if I can

I had problems with DS (he wouldn't latch for the first few days after birth, we got thrush, I had painful nipples, etc). The only real support I had was from DH and the internet Sadly I didn't know about MN at the time.

May I also recommend contacting your local La Leche League (LLL) while you are still pregnant ? They very much welcome all mothers, from pregnant mums to those like me with a bf toddler. Here is the link for finding your local group:

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They run a peer group also, but not sure if they are available in all areas of the UK.

Also there are now "Baby Cafes" (many supported by Sure Start) mushrooming around the UK, if you are interested I could help you find out if there is one near you ? I have their web address somewhere.

Some hospitals have bf drop in sessions for mums with newborns. Perhaps ask you local hospital if they have one ?

Best of luck with the baby !

Here is the link for finding a baby cafe near you:

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I went to one in North London once - I wanted to volunteer, unfortunately I have't had the time to go and help out yet

There was a qualified ex-NCT lady there (she now works for Sure Start), and 2 midwives.
So pretty good support just in one cafe !

You can have a coffee and biscuits while you chat and you can take older children with you, there is often a small play area for toddlers.

Sorry Gill to be bombarded by my post, I just came across this article when searching for baby cafes, it is so lovely to hear that bf mums who meet up with other bf mums and activley look for bf support (as you are doing !) are finding it helps them to bf for longer :

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Thanks everyone for your help. I really want it to work this time and I know that if I can get the right technique this time then I will be half way there.

Thanks for the links Yellowrose - Looks like there are a couple of groups within a reasonable driving distance. I'll make sure I get in touch before the baby's born.

Hi

I'm a peer support counsellor with Sure Start.
Each area's supporters work differently. Some run support groups, others have helplines, others do home visits, some do a combination of all. Try to find out what help is available in your area. Other posters are right in that baby Cafes, La Leche League groups and NCT bf counsellors are all invaluable areas of support for breastfeeding women. Go to them NOW (they welcome pregnant women), before your baby's born - it'll give you the confidence to go back afterwards, you'll make bf friends who you can call on for help/support, you'll learn a lot about breastfeeding, and you'll find out where all the help is in your area.

Good luck!

Hi Gill
Hope it goes better for you this time.
I trained as a b/f peer supporter and have visited/phoned women who are getting to grips with it all (mws acted as go-betweens).

Wer are also a pretty rural community so often know each other anyway.