"Sympathetic and non-judgemental"

The breastfeeding support team have been invaluable to me. After leaving hospital following the birth of my first child, they were available every day if I needed it to support me with my desire to breastfeed my child. They were born prematurely and although they did not need additional support at the hospital, they were just too little and sleepy to breastfeed at first and I felt forced to express during my time at the hospital to ensure they were still receiving breastmilk in some capacity, and my baby became too comfortable drinking expressed milk from a bottle to retrain on the breast.

However, the breastfeeding support team were extremely sympathetic and non-judgemental and came out several times to provide support. They checked my latch, provided me with nipple shields and encouraged a conversation with my GP due to pain I was getting. They also regularly kept in touch to see how I was getting on. Months later, feeling a lot more confident thanks to their help, they were also able to provide a wall pump to assist me with expressing milk following difficulties with mastitis and blocked ducts.

Again they were comforting and encouraging with lots of recommendations. Aside from their exemplary professional care, one of the team also connected me to other mothers in my area with similar experiences who I hope will become close friends. She also gave me the privilege of connecting with another mother who I have been able to donate milk to. If it wasn't for breastfeeding support, I would absolutely have struggled with my breastfeeding journey as well as mentally, especially in those early days. Thank you so much for your professional care and kindness - an essential service I am grateful to have benefitted from.