"Breastfeeding support"

My breastfeeding struggles started in the 3rd week after the delivery of our first baby. My nipples were sore, cracked, bleeding and I wanted to quit it all...breastfeeding, motherhood, living in Scotland without any family support... Later my baby started loosing weight, so I needed to introduce formula (which was not something I did lightly.)

I phoned NHS Fife Breastfeeding support. It was the weekend and they responded right away and sent help on the same day. They helped me first of all just with listening: which is what I feel I didn't get from my GP. They organized several visits to look at the latch, positioning, discussed theory and practicalities of breastfeeding, they even organized I got supplementary nursing system and a breast pump. All support workers I met (Bonnie, Susan, Kelly, Vicky), were extremely professional; compassionate, person-centred (led by me, my strengths and not my weaknesses and struggle), and full of advice-not just about breastfeeding but also about other parenting issues (sleep, overall baby development). They helped us go from a starving baby and a miserable mum, to a happy, breastfed-only baby. 

Ladies, your help means a lot to me and my family. I want you to know you are doing an incredible job. You keep the nation healthier by helping mums breastfeed more & more successfully! I know some of you are separated from your own families so that you can help other mums and babies... Thank you for that & please know you do miracles. Special thanks goes to Susan, who took a burden off my shoulders by listening to how I feel and showing understanding.

Thank you and keep up with all the good work. My call to the leadership: in my opinion these ladies should be rewarded with a pay rise or at least with an extra day of holiday.