New and expectant mums across Durham need to know about this free, friendly breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding cafes and special ‘peer supporters’ for new and expectant mums in Durham are highlighted within a national awareness campaign.
Fiona Malyan Jacques, specialist health visitor, Leah Johnson, peer supporter, Jessica Young, infant feeding practitionerFiona Malyan Jacques, specialist health visitor, Leah Johnson, peer supporter, Jessica Young, infant feeding practitioner
Fiona Malyan Jacques, specialist health visitor, Leah Johnson, peer supporter, Jessica Young, infant feeding practitioner

National Breastfeeding Celebration Week runs until June 23, to explain the benefits of breastfeeding, answer mothers’ questions, and make them aware of free help they can access.

Durham County Council is working with the Growing Healthy County Durham Infant Feeding Team to promote breastfeeding.

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Coun Olwyn Gunn, cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services at Durham Council, said: “Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and baby, including building strong emotional bonds, protecting babies from infections and diseases, and lowering mothers’ risk of some cancers and health conditions.

“County Durham’s fantastic volunteer peer supporters and our brilliant breastfeeding cafés are a great way to help mothers to breastfeed, build confidence and make friends.”

Peer supporters are local mums, trained to support other mums and babies to enjoy breastfeeding, by offering advice and reassurance.

Twenty-eight-year-old mum-of-three, Leah Johnson, is a peer supporter.

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She said: “I went to the café for social reasons as well as breastfeeding support.

“I made some wonderful friends who were all in the same boat and I really appreciated that.”

Anyone interested in becoming a breastfeeding peer supporter should call Jessica Young on 03000 269 585.