Why is Breastfeeding Peer Support Important to Me?

 I have had the privilege of being involved with breastfeeding peer support for a number of years.  In 2006 I hired the first peer supporter for a new support programme in the Anne Arundel County WIC Programme in the US and I completed the Loving Support training along with my Peer Supporters.  In 2011 I completed peer support training with the NHS in Kent, UK and I have been volunteering ever since. 

I had a number of hiccups in starting a breastfeeding relationship with my son and I attended a number of different breastfeeding support groups and sought the help of various peer supporters and breastfeeding professionals.  I have loved every minute of my time supporting local families to reach their breastfeeding goals and I love the amazing people I have had the chance to work with over the last 8 years.

I listen and I listen and I ask questions.  I talk with parents about what is troubling them and together we come up with possible solutions and work on position and attachment together.  Sometimes mothers come in for some place quiet to sit or to sit in the company of other new mothers if they are new to the area.

Seeing the look in a mothers face when she latches the baby on for the first time is priceless and it brings back memories of my first successful feed with my son after so many failed attempts, a truly magical memory and I am privileged to play a part in those memories in my community as a peer supporter.

This has been a post written for the Keep BritainBreastfeeding Internet Scavenger Hunt 2014.  Below is the logo and you have found it!  To enter for the chance to win over £1000 worth of breastfeeding and baby goodies please use the Rafflecopter below.  There’s also a list of some of the bloggers and companies involved so that you can find more logos and gain more entries.  You’ll need to enter at least 50 times (tweeting, liking, commenting and following all count).

Here are some other lovely bloggers and one of the companies who are also involved in the Scavenger Hunt this year.

Edspire

Slugs and Snails

Baking Betsy

Dancing in Wellies

Mummies Waiting

Eats on Feets - is a place that helps find breastmilk for babies that need it.

 Cherub Chews have promised a beautiful handmade wooden and crochet bead nursing necklace to the winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway