Mums support breastfeeding cafe

One of Herefordshire Council’s children’s centres has been helping local mums to provide support and advice to other breastfeeding mothers in Leominster.

Eight mothers have just completed a twelve-week La-Leche League peer support training programme organised by the North Herefordshire children’s centre, and will be able to use their new skills at the Coningsby Children’s Centre Baby Café,.

The baby café is a drop-in breastfeeding support group which opens every Friday between 10.30am and 12noon where mums can get advice and support, together with a decent cup of coffee.

All pregnant or breastfeeding mums are welcome to drop in at any time during opening hours.  No appointment is necessary and partners, supporters and health professionals are also welcome.

Although breastfeeding is the best way to feed babies, many mums struggle for a whole range of reasons, including feeding in public, returning to work and being able to breastfeed comfortably.. 

The baby cafe is a great place to visit, make new friends, share experiences and receive advice.  The newly trained mums will be able to share their knowledge with others.

Nicki Howard, the Health Care Co-ordinator, said: “The mums, who are all volunteers, have worked hard and enjoyed the course.  They will become valuable members of the baby café”. 

“We want to encourage mothers to continue to breastfeed for as long as they can.  Providing them with clear evidence-based practical advice has been very successful in other areas.

“New mums have welcomed having advice from other mums who may have had similar experiences as themselves.”

In a ceremony which took place last week, the mums and their babies were presented with certificates by Ann Jobling, a national trainer for La Leche League.