Feeding support for new mums

An initiative to increase support for mums and babies across the region has been launched by NHS Grampian.

The move, coinciding with the start of Scottish Breastfeeding Week this week, will signpost support for new mothers.

Around 60 volunteers with experience of breastfeeding are being used to provide help and support this week.

This can be in specialist support groups or through peer discussion at Dr Gray’s in Elgin or Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

Katie Rose, a peer supporter for the Garthdee Breastfeeding Group in Aberdeen said: “When I had my first child, I really benefited from breastfeeding support groups, so when the opportunity to become a peer supporter came up, I was really keen to enable other people to have that same positive experience.”

“My baby has really come on since we came here”

Anja Leman, who attends the Garthdee Group, said: “Katie is great and a real support, my baby has come on leaps and bounds since we started coming here.”

Recent research carried out with new mums in Grampian found that many were unaware of the support available and felt they needed more help following the birth of their child.

NHS Grampian is providing a detailed guide highlighting the support available.

It can be obtained in leaflet form or online at www.nhsgrampian.org/ breastfeeding.

The scheme has been initiated by both NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Health and Partnership in an effort to gain support from more businesses to allow breastfeeding on their premises.