Get Britain Breastfeeding Exhibition / Breastfeeding Advocacy

[ChairmumMiaow]

Hi all,

Someone posted about this a week or so ago, and I've volunteered to do a stint at the exhibition as a breastfeeding mother. Are any other MNers joining in?

www.getbritainbreastfeeding.org.uk/

I've volunteered because feel very strongly about breastfeeding, but have trouble promoting it on a personal level to friends, as they're often switching / giving up through lack of information and support, and are very stressed by the time they switch. I try quietly stating what I've read - about how milk is produced, and how mixed feeding etc will affect milk production, but so far 2 friends have moved away from full bf - one to mixed, another stopping completely.

I know that reiterating it now will just make them feel bad as they've already shown that they feel the need to defend their decision - I don't want to turn into that militant nagging friend who never shuts up about such things!

Other MNers that feel strongly about bf - how do you encourage / advocate it among friends or in other situations. I'm considering training as a BF peer supporter but don't know how much help I would be as I don't drive! Other suggestions?

What do they actualy want you to do as a breastfeeding mother? I've thought about volunteering but wasn't clear about what they actually wanted.

I didn't get a good answer about that, but presumed I'd be there to answer questions and chat to visitors. I've deliberately volunteered for a time when there's a school trip, as I was quite shocked when a small child saw me feeding and asked her grandad what the baby was doing!

Would love to join in, but school run may get in the way, so not sure. Mind you, I couldn't see what the times are...also, I guess there'd be no parking etc, so would have to do public transport. Any idea's?

When I volunteered, they have 3 slots, which are roughly : opening time till 12:30, 12:30 - 3:30 (which I am doing on the friday) and 3:30 till close (can't remember exact start and end times, but 9.30 and 6.30 would fit!) All of those could clash with the school run though!

If you want more details, email Francesca dot Entwhistle at dh.gsi.gov.uk

Thank you! I'll give it some thought.