Feeding help for new mothers now available
EMYLIE HOWIE
NHS Lanarkshire has createsd additional online support for new mothers.
The infant feeding team at the local healthboard is inviting new mothers to join an online community to receive professional advice from the team and support from other Lanarkshire mothers.
With the suspension of local breastfeeding and mother and baby groups and a reduction in face to face support due to social distancing, the team is ensuring new mothers can continue to have access to professional feeding support.
New mothers can join the online group and gain access to virtual infant feeding classes and expert advice.
The group’s aim is also to create a community of mothers who can support each other in the absence of local parent and baby groups, and the help they may currently be missing from family and friends who aren’t able to visit or be as hands-on as they hoped.
Maternity services has also set up an antenatal workshop page where they will provide interactive sessions on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, postnatal care, infant care, infant feeding classes and live interaction for expectant parents who are also missing out on the support they would normally receive during the exciting time leading to the birth of their child.
AnneMarie Bruce, Infant Feeding Development Midwife at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We are continuing to adapt to new ways of working and are creating new opportunities to support mothers in our community.
“We know many new mothers are missing support from their family and friends, and some are feeling especially isolated because they’re not enjoying the socialisation offered by the community mum and infant groups they were a part of, or expected to join.
“We’ve had a terrific uptake so far and we want to ensure all parents in Lanarkshire are aware of the services available and can make an informed decision about whether to get involved.”
More information on the NHS Lanarkshire infant feeding team can be found at: www. nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/ services/infantfeeding/ or on the Facebook group NHS Lanarkshire Mums & Babies.