Searching Group looking for original baby members

NEARLY 18 years ago a breastfeeding support group was set up in Cheltenham which grew and branched out into another five more opening across the county.

To mark the birth of the group, the trustees are keen to hear from the now grown up babies that were there with their mothers when the support service started first started.

The Gloucestershire Breast feeding Support Network (GBSN) was established all those years ago, and it was clear similar help was needed across the county, and they were formed under the GBSN umbrella.

The service has been a vital lifeline for thousands of mothers that have struggled with breastfeeding, or who have found that they simply needed the support.

New mothers often have questions bout their baby, and it can make a massively positive impact on the mothers confidence to get reassurance from someone who understands .

The first group that was set up in Hester’s Way in Cheltenham was launched by Elizabeth Mayo.

Elizabeth is the chairman of GBSN and a trustee of the Breast Feeding and Peer Support group (BAPS).

Before involvement with the group Elizabeth was a infant feeding specialist midwife at St Pauls maternity unit, Cheltenham.

Elizabeth said: “I am a breastfeeding counsellor for mothers that need more specialist support.

“The peers that work with us are mothers that have breastfed and have had training.

“Some mothers have different challenges.

“As there were no groups like this in Gloucestershire back then, there was a lot of support from midwives and health visitors.

“There was a need for a co-ordinated approach to give this support.”

So in 2002 the doors were opened at the Hester’s Way healthy living centre.

As much as the groups were very much face to face, they have evolved with the pandemic and havesupported their 500th woman online this week.

They recently started to meet up outside which is the interaction that some mothers realyy do need, however this can all change with the government guidelines due to the pandemic.

Elizabth said: “Common questions from mothers are, ‘is this normal?’ and helping with feeling isolated.

“Sometimes we wonder if we are doing it right?

“Mothers ask, ‘is this the right attachment or should my baby be nursing this often?, should I exclusively feed my child or give breast and formula?

“You have to look at what the mother wants to achieve.”

The 18-year anniversary was on September 29 and Elizabeth would like to hear from the families as soon as possible.

To contact the group please contact GBSN via the Facebook page at facebook.com/gbsngroups or join the Hesters Way BAPS group at facebook.com/ Bapscheltenham

There was a need for a co-ordinated approach to give this support. Elixabeth Mayo