So what can I do to make a diff to BF?

[5goldrings4MONKEYBIRDs]

I'm struck by the endless tales of women who didn't want to give up BF ending up on that slippery slope, and so often it seems to be in the first few days/weeks when they're not getting the right support and help.

Is the answer training to be a BFC? Do people volunteer in maternity units? It seems that it is there, in hospitals in those first few days, with all the MWs understaffed and overworked and sometimes not knowing, where the help really needs to be.

Or do hosps not like volunteers on the ward cos it undermines them?

Or is there a bigger campaign somewhere for improving BF policy, training and rates I can go and rant at join?

I'm getting right cross and now have head above parapet of new baby and still on mat leave, seems the perfect time to get my placard out, put on my trademarked BFNazi costume and start pounding the streets with my pushchair...

I wish I had some answers but I don't and I feel much the same as you.

Just sending you support really and luck in finding a way forward.

Im not sure support in hospitals is needed as much as support at home! So many people now are in and out of hospital so quick, that the baby has rarely had more than 2 or 3 feeds.

I think there needs to be a liason with midwives and BFC's and as a matter of course, send a BFC to each post-natal woman when she returns home, a chance to build up a rapport with the BFC and to get a direct contact number that can be used should any issues arise.

I know it all sounds so ideal, and will probably never happen, but good luck. You are a wealth of knowledge, have helped me no end and I hope you can find a way to help those who need it most.

I am that woman 5goldrings! DD is 11 days old, BF is a bit of a struggle but I'm determined to keep at - my main problem has been TOTALLY conflicting advice from different professionals. I called the NCT line today and didn't find them all that helpful which I was surprised at. Also it would be nice to have someone discuss it with you in person, so like Jarm said, someone coming out to see you would be amazing. (providing they knew what they were talking about obviously!)