Our breastfeeding peer support service first started way back in 2004 when our now Chair Of Trustees, Elaine Edwards, had a difficult start to breastfeeding her daughter, Jessica, and struggled to get support. Elaine went to a local Sure Start Centre for help, where she met other mums who were in the same position.
Together they realised the power of mothers supporting each other, and the need for a local support network for mothers to access support and be given evidence-based information.
The project began with a grant commissioned to support the Sure Start programme, with the primary purpose of supporting and promoting breastfeeding, both antenatally and postnatally, within the community of Blackburn with Darwen.
Elaine left her full-time employment and became a La Leche League Trainer. Local women were recruited and trained to form a team of paid and volunteer peer supporters.
The peer supporters provided weekly support groups within Sure Start centres, as well as 1:1 home visits, a 24-hour helpline, and daily support on the maternity ward. They worked closely with the local maternity hospital who gave all the peers access to UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative training, ensuring evidence-based information was being given to mothers.
The impact on breastfeeding rates was amazing, and the service has now expanded to provide breastfeeding support across several areas throughout the country.
Pilot programmes have been delivered alongside longer- term contracts, and FAB remains a preferred supplier for the provision of breastfeeding peer support services for various commissioners.
Our vision is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding through a peer support service run by mums, for mums.
