Health visitors can’t help breastfeeding

Further to the article ‘Campaigners slam ‘reworded’ plan for breastfeeding care’ [October 19], I write to express my concerns.

I developed the first breastfeeding support structures within the children’s centres in Thanet and this was then developed across the county. I have worked as a health visitor for many years before helping to develop the children’s centres.

Generally speaking, breastfeeding rates were very low in this country and an alternative approach was developed in Kent.

This involved identifying individual mothers and training and enabling them to become peer breastfeeding supporters.

This approach developed the breastfeeding skillbase in local communities as trained mothers were equipped to support other mothers locally. This is really important when we need to change attitudes and the culture of infant feeding. This approach has been researched and it is effective and valued by mothers.

Breastfeeding support needs to be available locally and easily accessible for all mothers. The proposed referral system would slow up the process at a time when advice is needed urgently.

Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable at times and babies can be unsettled and it can be an anxious time for parents. It is important for the county council to recognise this.

Cllr Peter Oakford states that the current PS Breastfeeding CIC does not have the universal reach of the health visiting team and I would ask why this is. Why would KCC commission a breastfeeding service that does not have universal reach?

Health visitors are skilled in a whole range of areas including maternal and child health. I welcome the increase in health visitor numbers and value the difference this will make. However, I am conscious of the increased stresses on young families with 85% of the austerity cuts being borne by women (mostly mothers), job insecurity, housing problems, changes to Universal Credit, rising child poverty and increased levels of violent crime, including domestic violence.

Health visitors are involved in supporting families on a wide range of issues and with increasing family needs there may be difficulty prioritising breastfeeding.

There is a breastfeeding support group at St Mary’s children centre in Faversham, which is well-attended. However, the group that was running at Bysing Wood children’s centre has closed. Parents like Hannah Croft know their communities, they know what works and those who are commissioning services need to listen. Frances Rehal MBE Perrywood, Selling