"The support that we needed exactly when we needed it"

After an empowering physiological labour supported by the Fife home birth midwifery team I experienced real difficulties with breastfeeding my Son in May of this year (2024). I had attended antenatal classes, listened to many podcasts and read numerous books in the lead up to his birth however, nothing could have prepared me for how difficult our breastfeeding journey would be. It was only thanks to the truly amazing, timely and in-person support that I received from the Fife Breastfeeding Support Team that we got there and now, almost 4 months on, my Son is exclusively breastfed.

I feel so fortunate to have received the support that we needed exactly when we needed it, particularly from Bonnie and Vicki, true NHS heroes. I was also fortunate enough to benefit from being able to loan a hospital grade breast pump which was invaluable for establishing my supply when my baby was struggling to latch.

It saddens me to hear that the Fife breastfeeding team are facing potential redeployment as I truly feel that this is an essential and irreplaceable service. Though we did receive some help and advice from the community midwife team, they simply did not have the time necessary to spend with a mum in desperate need nor the expertise which I experienced with the dedicated breastfeeding support team.

I will be forever grateful that, thanks to their support, my Son was able to get the best start in life with the numerous and long term health benefits associated with breastfeeding. More than this however, they helped with my mental health at my lowest point and that of my husband’s who felt helpless in the face of our struggles.