Breastfeeding support in Harrow - your views and experiences

[LocalEditorHarrow]

Breastfeeding is in the headlines today again after a long-term study has pointed to a link between longer breastfeeding and intelligence.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31925449

While this news will certainly help raise awareness and promote the benefits of breastfeeding, the ultimate question is whether our new mothers who would like to breastfeed get an adequate support with breastfeeding in our borough?

My own experience back in 2008, as a first time mother, after a traumatic emergency C section due to preeclampsia at Northwick Park hospital, was grim.

We would love to hear your stories and suggestions.

www.breastfeedinginharrow.org/weekly-drop-ins

We have 9 drop in groups a week spread around the borough with trained peer supporters and/or breastfeeding counsellors at all of them. We also offer home visits to those who are physically unable to get out to a group.

Breastfeeding in Harrow also has a helpline with answer phone service which is checked 5 times a day, 6 days a week.

There is an antenatal breastfeeding workshop on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10-12 in the Parent Education room in Northwick Park hospital, no need to book, partners welcome. Research has shown that those accessing support antenatally are much more likely to have a more positive experience once baby arrives.

My baby girl was born at 29 weeks in August 2014. She was at NPH in the NICU for 7 weeks. During that time I received excellent support from the unit's breastfeeding support coordinator as I expressed solidly for 4 weeks and then began to feed as my daughter's feeding tube was removed. In the community, I attended a number of the breastfeeding support clinics where I was always greeted with a smiling face and a plethora of suggestions to help me deal with any issues I've had. There have been a few, BF has not been an easy journey for me. My daughter is now 7 months (5 months corrected) She is no longer keen to feed at the breast most days, so I express my supply to bottle feed her, I am determined to do this for as long as I can. Without the support and encouragement I have received from the ladies in Harrow over the past 7 months I would not be keeping it up.
Additionally places like 'The Nest' in Pinner Road, which encourage Mums to gather and provide a relaxed breastfeeding environment enhance new Mum's ease and desire to keep breastfeeding. Harrow rocks when it comes to breastfeeding support! We are a lucky borough!

My little boy was born at Northwick Park hospital (Nph) last year. Before he was born I had decided I wanted to breastfeed so I attended the antenatal workshop at Nph (as mentioned above). I found this a really informative session. The lady running it was very experienced and knowledgable. I came out of the session feeling empowered and positive about breastfeeding.
When my son was about 1 week old, I attended one of the drop in groups in Harrow (which was recommended by a friend) as we were having afew difficulties. The support I got there was invaluable. The ladies were so welcoming, understanding and professional. I am proud to say that 8 months later, I am still breastfeeding my son and I can honestly say that without the support I received in the Harrow groups, things could have been very different for my son and I.

My lo was born at nph in January. Although I had a lot of help both at the saturday workshop before birth and one to one support afterwards I rather felt that I was being spoken to by the breastfeeding Mafia. It was their way or no way. I struggled with a sick baby and poor supply initially and had to supplement with formula on Drs orders. I felt like an outcast. Having spent a week in hospital I was sent home and continued to express and supplement until finally I went to exclusive breastfeeding through my own choice. I felt unable to seek help,locally and called the national helpline anonymously. Even though I am now ebf and love it, I think all options should be discussed and those who have to formula feed should not be made to feel bad just so that Harrow can get its breastfeeding stamp of approval.

www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/11854855.Team_of_breastfeeding_specialists_scrapped_after_funding_cut/

See funding has been cut! Think it's a shame for people who need the help. However might take the pressure off and limit the militancy of the breastfeeding Mafia.