Our baby boy was born at 28 weeks with CHD. Whilst his condition has limited and changed our expected breastfeeding journey, I have been pleasantly surprised by the encouragement of staff across the maternity and children’s hospital. All have been very positive and supportive to enable me to pump and facilitate comfort feeds as he got older and stronger.
On Johnstone Ward, Gemma was an incredible support in the first few days. Her knowledge, calm nature and hands on help was invaluable as I started exclusive pumping. I was shocked there was no role of a breastfeeding support worker in the ward setting as she is an invaluable resource to the team and such a positive influencer for breastfeeding, which is sorely needed in NI. I really missed her support on the shifts she wasn’t working, and can imagine many parents give up early on without hands on support.
Following on in NICU and HDU, I met Gillian and Barbara who imparted their wealth of knowledge as I was pumping. Although our baby couldn’t be fed orally due to his prematurity, knowing I could still access advice was great.
As he’s now moved over to the children’s hospital, we are able to offer some comfort breastfeeds alongside tube feeding. The atmosphere surrounding pumping and breastfeeding remains positive, however, more options for support from the feeding team would enhance the experience. Those of us who have experienced a turbulent journey starting out with breastfeeding or pumping, with babies who are spending the first few months of life on the ward, would really benefit from a dedicated feeding service or outreach support worker within the children’s hospital. The feeding team from maternity continue to offer advice but their services are in high demand and there is a clear need within the children’s hospital for increased provision. The benefit to children and parents would be immeasurable.
We are immensely grateful to the entire team and every member of staff we’ve encountered along the way for their care of our son, thank you.
"Medical breastfeeding journey"
About: Maternity care / Johnston House Maternity care Johnston House BT12 6BA Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children Belfast BT12 6BA Royal Jubilee Maternity services / Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Royal Jubilee Maternity services Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) BT12 6BA
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