Supporting Breastfeeding Women in Grampian

Hello,

I'm Anne Marie, a retired midwife and now breastfeeding peer support volunteer with NHS Grampian and I'm about to undertake a LEJOG cycle to raise funds for our local breastfeeding group and raise awareness of the importance of supporting mums with breastfeeding.

I provide breastfeeding support at Aboyne breastfeeding group, supporting local mums and babies with their breastfeeding journey.

Throughout my career as a midwife, I have found few people that know that the WHO recommend breastfeeding for 6 months exclusively and for 2 years and beyond. Breastfeeding groups provide an important opportunity to share the role of breastfeeding in public health and crucially, provide support to mothers. I see this as an opportunity to cycle for health!

Evidence from UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, of which NHS Grampian Maternity and Community services (Health Visiting and the Family Nurse Partnership) are gold accredited, show that risk reduction for just five illnesses which can be prevented by breastfeeding, moderate increases in breastfeeding rates would translate into cost savings for the NHS of about £40 million a year and tens of thousands of fewer hospital admissions and GP consultations.

The Boat Inn generously provide Aboyne breastfeeding group with a home where mums can practise feeding outside their homes and importantly connecting with other mums at what can be an isolating and lonely time.

Funding will go to cover teas, coffees and resources to ensure the group can continue to run and offer this crucial social and emotional support.

Each day, I will share a top tip or fact about breastfeeding along the way.