"My infant feeding support worker"

I first met my infant feeding support worker at anti natal classes she took. This was my 4th baby and I had breastfed my older three but I learned so much that I didn't know about breastfeeding from Lana at this class. Lana made me feel so at ease and look forward to labour and delivery, instead of feeling worried and anxious. Lana taught me breathing and relaxation techniques that I'm still using now. These techniques helped so much in pregnancy and labour.

I have brittle asthma and my pregnancy and labour/delivery was high risk but I felt much more relaxed and in control using the techniques and strategies that Lana taught me. Everything was explained clearly and with such reassuring calm that I looked forward to them classes so much! If I missed anything Lana always took the time to make sure I knew and understood what I missed, always going the extra mile with all of us at the class. 

After my son was born Lana was in touch with me. She must spend hours personally getting to know every new mother but she is there to support everyone whenever she is needed.

My baby had a tongue tie which Lana helped my midwife refer. He had this cut at a week old. 

Then he developed thrush. I took him to the doctors twice in two weeks, each time with different treatment. Nothing was working. It was Lana that told me what treatment he needed, what we both needed. I went back to the doctors and was prescribed the correct treatment. The doctor asked me to get in touch with Lana to ask what dose I should be taking and how often. This was 5.30 on a Friday night. I messaged lana and she replied with the dose /frequency. After a couple of days we were both so much better and enjoying feeding. Such a shame it took three weeks to get the right treatment but without Lana we wouldn't have even got it then. She is a legend. The fact the GP refers back to get says it all. 

Any time I've had an issue, Lana has been on hand every on the phone or she'll pop round. From boobing to pooping, I wouldn't have felt so comfortable or confident without Lana's support and I certainly wouldn't still be feeling myself 6 months later. She helped us with the tongue tie, thrush, poor latch and reflux. Poor baba did not have it easy. I would have given up without Lana. She worked with us both to help with all his wee issues and keep feeding going. 

Lana also runs a feeding support group that we go to. This is open to anyone and we are welcome to come and go as we can. Lana is always so welcoming and makes time for everyone there. She always offers you a cuppa and a treat and has a chat. Everyone there is very friendly but that's because Lana makes you all feel so welcome and relaxed. When my baby was first born lana was weighing the babies at the group. She would only do this is you had your red book so she would record it. This was excellent as seeing the health visitor is extremely tricky. (There is a health visitor clinic once a month for a couple of hours but guaranteed that is when your in laws call round or you've been up all night or car is in the garage or something always happens making it impossible to get to that window to get the baby weighed. I have only once made it in 6 months!) I am very lucky that the health visitor has came for a home visit and I had my baby weighed three times. I know several other mums who never had their babies weighed after hand over from the midwife. It was a brilliant service that Lana offered weighing the babies. Such a shame she can't do it any more. It must have really helped the health visitors too as without this service loads of babies were never getting weighed at all. Not only could the mums keep track of their babies weight but if there was any concerns then this could be flagged up. I'd love to see Lana weighing the babies at the group again. I'd love to know how heavy my wee toot is now! 

Lana is you read this thank you so much for everything. Please keep up the amazing work you do, we couldn't do it without you 💖. Only one thing, bring back your scales 😄.