"Breastfeeding Support"

I had my first baby around 3 years ago and breastfeeding was very challenging.  I was put in touch with Susan, the local midwife who offered breastfeeding support.  Susan provided outstanding care, and was passionate about supporting breastfeeding, patient and calm, and never judgemental.  Susan became a lifeline in our breastfeeding journey and I can safely say that I wouldn’t have managed to continue breastfeeding without her unending support, and indeed I was in contact with her several times over the course of the two or so years that I fed my first baby as breastfeeding support goes well beyond the newborn days. 

When it came the time to have my second baby, I knew Susan would be there if I needed her.  Indeed, she made a special visit to see me in hospital just to check things were going okay and offered further support and encouragement whenever I needed.

By this time, Susan was a full time breastfeeding specialist.  I am now deeply disappointed to discover that this role is coming to an end and is not going to be funded by the health board after initial government funding.  I strongly believe that Susan’s role is vital in supporting breastfeeding and her commitment to the role is second to none. I would urge the decision makers to reconsider the funding of this post, as I firmly believe that Shetland’s breastfeeding rates are deeply built on Susan’s excellent care and support; there are certainly two small children in my household who directly benefited from Susan’s care, as well as all the health benefits I gained by being able to breastfeed.  In my experience, there is a tendency for there to be a lack of appreciation by some with little to no experience of breastfeeding for how challenging it can be, and when you have someone with Susan’s commitment alongside such an important role, it can only improve the healthcare in Shetland.