South Tyneside Family Hubs celebrated the Global Big Latch On this week, welcoming breastfeeding mothers from across the Borough to promote and support all things breastfeeding.
An event which is celebrated worldwide, the occasion presented the perfect opportunity for mothers to receive advice and support and engage with other breastfeeding mams.
Hosting not one but two events at All Saints and Hebburn Family Hub, over 50 mothers gathered together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other.
Reflecting on the event, Family Hub Partnership Manager & Infant Feeding lead, Helen Mitchell, said: “We were focused on making the Big Latch On as inclusive as possible, as we recognise that infant feeding journeys can be complex and varied.
“This is why we invited all people who are feeding and raising their babies and children to attend – regardless of whether they are currently breastfeeding or not.
“It was great to see so many faces in attendance, and seeing everyone leave with big smiles on their faces was amazing. We really appreciate everyone’s support.”
All Saints and Hebburn Family Hub also proved to be a hive of activity with young people taking part in various activities, with Tiny Tweeties providing unique and entertainment for all to enjoy.
One parent commented: “This was my first time out alone with the little one. I felt very comfortable and fed in public for the first time.”
Another parent added: “The Big Latch was a lovely experience. The breastfeeding group has been such a good support for me.”
Family Hubs provide a range of services in the local community, working with families to ensure that services meet the needs of infants, children, young people, and parents/carers.
One of these services is our Breastfeeding Support Group – a group for antenatal and postnatal women who would like support around breastfeeding, with support from professionals.
Currently, over 40 breastfeeding mams attend the group across four Family Hub locations.
We spoke with Sarah, Hannah, and Rachel to find out what has been the biggest benefit to them as a mam since joining the group and why they would encourage other breastfeeding mothers to attend.
“It’s good to be with other mams who are in the same boat as you”, said Sarah.
“There are certain stages of breastfeeding that are tricky and getting that moral support, tips and hints from other mams is beneficial. It’s another excuse to get out of the house and get the babies interacting together.
“It can also become hard with sleepless nights. You get that with bottle feeding, but with breastfeeding it’s solely on you. Dad can’t take over on a nighttime so it’s good to speak to other people. It gives you the momentum to push through the trickier stages.”
Hannah added: “Feeling like you’re not alone or asking little questions that you wouldn’t want to bother a doctor or health visitor about is a great benefit.
“You can ask the other mams here and it just makes you feel a lot more confident in what you’re doing because the other mams are going through the same things as you are.”
Rachel is keen to see even more breastfeeding mams access the support on offer. “It’s a relaxed environment. It’s nice to be together and sometimes it’s not even about breastfeeding. Sometimes we don’t even breastfeed in a session, it’s just about being around everyone and the babies being together.”
Find your nearest Family Hub here, or see a full list of activities and events below.
