"Breastfeeding support"

Having my second child in May, I confidently assumed I would be able to breastfeed with no problems since I had done it before.  How wrong I was!  I encountered many of the same problems as last time and more.  My baby suffers from reflux and as a result he wasn’t gaining weight and he was very lethargic. I was distraught. I felt like a failure to my son and the guilt and shame I felt was off the charts.

My health visitor got in touch with the infant feeding team and within hours I had a phone call from Gail.  She was like a lifeline on the end of the phone and she arranged to come out that very afternoon with a hospital grade, double breast pump I could borrow in order to express milk to top up my son's feeds and to give my supply a boost.

I never knew such a service existed and was amazed to learn it was a very new service they provided.  Within days I had a good supply and plenty of expressed milk.  This gave me a huge confidence boost knowing and seeing that I had plenty of milk.  My son’s weight started to increase and he gained strength to feed for longer spells.  I borrowed the breast pump for 6 weeks and my son is thriving.  His weight gain is excellent and he and I are both very happy and content continuing on in our breastfeeding journey.

I am thrilled to be able to provide him with breast milk and the huge benefits that it provides us both.  If it hadn’t been for Gail’s support and the use of this double breast pump we definitely would not be where we are today.  I couldn’t have afforded a pump to that standard and efficiency, they are expensive and not knowing if it would be successful or not it is a huge expense. I also wasn’t in any fit mental state to go out looking for a pump.  

This service is invaluable.  Breastfeeding is one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced both physically and mentally. Us Mum’s need support especially when we are at our most vulnerable. Providing us with a tool and support to feed our babies is a magical gift. I hope the service providing use of breast pumps continues and grows and all Mums who need them can access them.  It will boost general health for mother and baby and in the long term save the NHS money with improved health for all. 

Thank you so much to Gail for saving our breastfeeding journey and giving us the gift of health.