Breastfeeding champion says get support from other mums

A breastfeeding champion and new mother, Sarah Jennings, is encouraging other mums to benefit from peer support at community breastfeeding groups.
Sarah is mum to 11 week-old Seren and Director of Strategic Partnerships for Hywel Dda Health Board. She is the organisation’s latest ambassador for breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding has so many benefits,” said Sarah. “Not only is it good for Seren’s health, giving her the best start in life, but it has health benefits for me too. It is a wonderful way to bond together and after overcoming the initial hurdles, it is easier that bottle feeding as I don’t have to worry about carrying things around with me or sterilising.”
June is national breastfeeding month, organised by the Association of Breastfeeding Mother’s, and the Health Board has pledged to double the number of mother’s breastfeeding their babies from birth up until 6 months of age.
For Sarah, the greatest help has been assistance and support from other breastfeeding mums. “I was given great advice and support from the midwives and healthcare assistants whilst in hospital, as well as the breastfeeding counsellor and her community midwives. But it didn’t end there, as it took a few weeks to really get to grips with feeding,” said Sarah.
“I regularly attend the community breastfeeding support group at Bethel Centre and that support from other mums and my Health Visitor, who is always there, has been really crucial for me. The best advice I can give expectant or new mums is to persevere and accept help and support from others through groups such as this.”
The support group Sarah attends is held every Monday, 10am-12noon, at Bethel Christian Centre, Johnstown, and is open to all. Other groups are available in the town, as well as across Hywel Dda Health Board and new or expectant mums should ask their midwife or health visitor for more information.
Rhian Walters, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “Getting support from other mums when breastfeeding can make all the difference. The Health Board offers a peer support scheme for new mums and there are plenty of support groups throughout Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.”
For a list of support groups please go to www.wales.gov.uk/topics/health/improvement/pregnancy/breastfeeding/breastfeedingmap