Online community for new mums

The infant feeding team at NHS Lanarkshire is inviting new mums to join an online community to receive professional advice – and support from other mothers.

With the suspension of local breastfeeding and mother and baby groups and a reduction in face- toface support due to social distancing, the team is ensuring new mums can continue to have access to professional feeding support.

Women can join the online group and gain access to virtual infant feeding classes and expert advice.

Maternity services have 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: “Like many organisations around the country, the NHS Lanarkshire team is continuing to adapt to new ways of working, and we’re creating new opportunities to support mothers in our community.

“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.

“We invite any new mothers to get in touch with their midwife or health professional if they have any questions, and to sign up for the online support group through Facebook at NHS Lanarkshire Mums & Babies.

“They can follow the link to the breastfeeding support page where they will be asked to respond to three simple questions to ensure it is a safe space to share concerns and receive support.”

Anyone who doesn’t have access to Facebook can call 01698 366710.