NHS Lothian recently joined forces with NCT (the National Childbirth Trust) to open a new community based drop-in service in Edinburgh for breastfeeding mums. The first session was held in a local business, Toots Play Cafe at Inch Park Community Sports Club.
NHS Lothian continues to increase the number of drop in groups and NCT is hoping to open further community breastfeeding groups, complementing those already run by NHS Lothian and other third sector providers. Staff in NHS Lothian services signpost mums to this new group and the 35 other drop in groups across Lothian.
Nicola Tait, Assistant Programme Manager in NHS Lothian, said: “Lothian breastfeeding rates have been steadily rising over the last six years with eight out of every ten babies receiving breast milk. Groups like these can bridge the gap between the expertise offered by midwives, health visitors and family nurses and encourage social support for parents.
“This group is a wonderful example of partnership working with NCT being funded to provide drop in breastfeeding groups by the Scottish Government and working with NHS Lothian to identify an area of need.”
In the first session volunteers from NCT provided friendly ears for breastfeeding mums, to chat in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Zoe Brown, Lothian Breastfeeding Buddies Project Coordinator, said: “The first few weeks can be tough for new mums and one of the things they may need help with is breastfeeding, which is a skill itself. In areas where breastfeeding rates are low, it’s even more important that there is somewhere supportive and friendly for mothers to go.”
One of the volunteers from the group said: “It’s been very exciting to be able to help new mums and the venue has been fantastic. There is plenty of room for all the mums and their babies and even space for the older kids to play.”
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