A health visiting team in Leicestershire has set up a weekly breastfeeding support service.
The Coalville Breastfeeding Group has been set up by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT)'s health visiting team in North West Leicestershire, alongside Leicestershire County Council staff from the North West Leicestershire Children's Centre team and local volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters. The group will offer new mums a supportive environment where they can share tips, experiences, and practice feeding their babies in public and access trusted advice.
Jill Phelan, LPT's family services manager for North West Leciestershire, said: 'It's easy to say that women should breastfeed, but they need a support network in place, expecially during the first six weeks. Our health visitors see many women who want to breastfeed their babies but are really struggling. This local group will provide invaluable reassurance and encouragement.'
Councillor Ernie White, country council cabinet member for health, said: 'Our aim in setting up this group was to bring mums together to support each other. Offering this group in a Children's Centre allows the mums to find out about the full range of support and services available through the Children's Centre Programme.'
Additonal breastfeeding resources and information for new parents is available on LPT's website and via LPT's free 'Meals on Heels' breastfeeding support mobile app, co-designed with local mums.
The county council's Children's Centres provide health and learning support to families for pre-school children - particularly for babies, younger children and parents who need additional help and assistance.
The new drop-in group will run weekly on Tuesdays at Coalville Children's Centre, in Leicestershire.