KBBF Advent Event - Deal Breastfeeding Group

Deal Breastfeeding Support Group was set up 1998 and had been funded by various sources over the years, when in 2012 the group was set to close when funding was withdrawn. A few mums got together and took over the running of the group. It has since gone from strength to strength, becoming a charity and taking part in community events and activities to raise its profile and fundraising to ‘pay the rent’. The group meets every Monday 1.30pm - 3.30pm at St George's Church in Deal High Street, Kent.

The group’s mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for pre/post natal breastfeeding women to meet likeminded people and make friends and connections within the local community, to provide mother to mother support, accurate information and resources, for breastfeeding mothers and their extended families.

The group has unlimited tea, coffee, squash, biscuits, cake and fruit for a suggested donation of £1.50 per adult. It is a non-profit organisation. A group requested by mums, provided by mums who are trained ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) 'Mother Supporters' 

Candice Roberts who is the main organiser for the group says “At St George’s Church, we have a wonderful venue, with comfy sofas, toys and a play area for toddlers too. Our volunteers have had training and an enhanced disclosure cleared before starting with us. We do, however, like to keep our group informal and relaxed, as if it was like ‘popping to a friends place’. The group can be as simple and as flexible as required by the individual. Mums can come just for a chat, find out about local events, ask where to get professional assistance or information, take training for their own benefit or the benefit of others (inside and outside the group), meet other mums, make friends, have a comfy place to relax and breastfeed their baby. It is all about a friendly face, support, tea and cake!”

Their latest project the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme for Deal, is being launched during their Christmas fundraising and awareness event called the ‘Boobles Bazaar’ on Saturday 14 December at the Town Hall in Deal. They have secured funding from the Kent County Council and will be providing training and information for local businesses and organizatons that want to promote that they go above and beyond to welcome breastfeeding Mothers.  If you would like any information about the group or their events or activities please visit their website.

I've also heard a rumour that Claire from Breast Milk Keepsakes will be making an appearance at the Boobles Bazaar! 

There are 24 breastfeeding related prizes up for grads during December in the Keep Britain Breastfeeding Advent Event.  Visit the main website to find out all about the companies involved and the prizes up for grabs and enter to win on their Facebooke pages and on the posts here throughout the month, so subscribe over on the right so you don't miss any.