South Tyneside Family Hubs welcomed more than 200 breastfeeding mothers and their children to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2024.
With the theme of World Breastfeeding Week highlighting the importance of closing the gap in inequalities by ensuring breastfeeding support for all, the celebration saw families of all backgrounds engage in the array of activities on offer.
Hosted by Riverside Family Hub, our Teddy Bears Picnic event on Friday witnessed babies and young people alike enjoy a teddy bear hunt in the garden, which was followed by a picnic, story time, arts and crafts, and a sing-song.
The celebrations continued on Wednesday as ‘Breastival’ visited Hebburn Family Hub, with an incredible 107 mothers and babies/young people in attendance to mark the occasion.
Face painting, biscuit decorating, hook the duck, fabric craft activities, sensory play and bloom sessions were just some of the activities on offer, while parents enjoyed a mini pamper session from local business, Honour your Beauty.
After the event, South Tyneside Family Hubs caught up with some of the mothers who heaped praise on the event. One parent said: “It’s been a great day, and the Family Hubs are fantastic. I am so grateful to them.
“It’s so lovely to have caring people around to advise and support you through breastfeeding.”
Another parent added, “A brilliant event celebrating breastfeeding. It was a great opportunity to meet other mams.”
One parent commented, “I love being a part of this community. It was great to see everyone and just talk to people without being judged. The breastfeeding support team has helped me so much and I am forever grateful.”
Helen Mitchell, Family Hubs Partnership Manager, was delighted with the turnout and believes the breastfeeding service in South Tyneside is stronger than ever. “To welcome this many people to celebrate all things breastfeeding is truly amazing.
“You’ve got different activities, different cultures, and different diversities, that are coming together to share their stories and give advice. It’s amazing.
“Seeing so many faces accessing breastfeeding services is testament to all the hard work our staff do behind the scenes.”
Thank you to all our families, partners and staff who supported this event.
