What is the Infant Feeding Peer Support service and why are we offering it?
A survey conducted by Public Health England in 2016 highlighted themes around uncertainty with how to breastfeed, what to consider when breastfeeding, and embarrassment around breastfeeding in public as potential barriers. The survey found that communication campaigns to help address uncertainties and educate mothers are necessary as well as offering peer-to-peer and group support schemes, especially to reduce inequalities between groups. At the same time, mothers who cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed should be respected with support and infant feeding education provided.
With face-to-face ongoing support in the community being a key aspect of improving breastfeeding and maternal mental health, Oswestry Community Action will be hosting peer support groups in Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Ludlow and will look to further extend the service into other areas. These groups will provide support and evidence-based information on everything from exploring breast/chest feeding and introducing solids to returning to work or study. Most importantly the groups are there for families to meet others in similar positions and to grow their support network even more, whilst enabling them to share tips, tricks and experiences between themselves.
