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Breastfeeding Support Workers
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Through the Starting Well in Worcestershire Service we will continue supporting new mums to initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding helps give babies the best start in life and we will continue to work to the UNICEF’s Baby Friendly accreditation which was granted in 2014.
- Service Manager Lead: Infant Feeding Co-ordinator, Anthea Griffiths
- Service Contact: whcnhs.breastfeedingsupport@nhs.net
- Reception hours: Clinics operate at different times and dates throughout the month
- Reception phone number: 01905 520032
About the service
The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding for your baby’s first six months, and then breast milk alongside other food until they are two years and over.
No matter how you decide to feed your baby, your choice will be respected, and you will be supported by trained and caring professionals.
If you do choose to breastfeed, our breastfeeding Support Workers (BFSWs), are available, working alongside Community Midwives and Health Visitors to infant feeding support to expectant & new families.
We also understand that many new parents may feel a little apprehensive and unsure about feeding in the early days & weeks, and really appreciate the emotional support and practical guidance the breastfeeding support workers offer.
We will make every effort to contact all new parents as soon as possible after your discharge from hospital or after a homebirth. To offer information on how to get breastfeeding started, responsive feeding, expressing breast milk and ways to avoid feeding problems in the future.
Our service is parent led, and you are encouraged to contact us as little or often as you wish during the first six to eight weeks following birth when breastfeeding can be most challenging.
Breastfeeding can also be a magical experience, as making eye contact and talking or singing to them during feeds, holding your baby close and feeding whilst skin to skin will help your baby feel safe, loved, and secure.
If you miss our call or misplace our number, can contact us emailing the team with details of your baby's name, date of birth and a contact phone number to get back in touch on.
Support Groups
We also run breastfeeding support groups across Worcestershire. Our Breast Buddies’ Support groups provide an opportunity to meet other mothers in a relaxed and friendly setting. Pregnant women and pregnant people are also welcome to access these groups which take place:
- Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 10:00am - 11:30am at Pear Trees Family Hub.
- Every Tuesday from 10:00am - 11:30am at Brookside Family Hub.
- Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday from 10:00am - 11:30am at Holly Trees Family Hub
- Every Friday from 11:30am - 1:00pm at The Hive in Worcester
If you would like to attend one of our Breast Buddies' support groups, please email the team with your baby's name, date of birth and postcode. We will then book you a place. Partners, grandparents, friends, and older children are also welcome.
If you would like more information about a particular group please ask your Health Visitor, Breastfeeding Support Worker or Community Nursery Nurse, alternatively contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, daily) or visit the national NHS website to find a breastfeeding drop-in near you.