Record turnout as more than 350 people celebrate World Breastfeeding Week across Derbyshire

More than 350 people came together across Derbyshire to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, with families taking part in a series of free events highlighting the support available to local parents.

Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire organised eight events throughout the week, bringing together expectant parents, breastfeeding families and parents who had finished their breastfeeding journeys.

The youngest attendee was just two weeks old, while children and teenagers of all ages also joined their families at the events. Dads and grandparents were among those attending to celebrate alongside the breastfeeding parents they support.

The events gave parents the chance to meet other families, celebrate their breastfeeding experiences and access free, evidence-based infant feeding support from local Breastfeeding Peer Supporters, Health Visitors, Infant Feeding Practitioners and Public Health Practitioners.

Families were invited to share what they were celebrating on “I’m celebrating because…” cards. Their messages reflected the many different journeys represented at the events, from overcoming feeding challenges to simply celebrating reaching another milestone together.

One parent wrote: “I am celebrating because we have overcome so many challenges in his short 10 weeks but we are still going strong... I wouldn't change our journey for the world.”

Another parent wrote: “I am celebrating because although it is one of the most natural things you can do as a mother, it has been one of the hardest parts of being a first-time mum (especially the newborn days – cluster feeding: yikes). It has its challenges, but I am so proud of me and my son. I love the post milk drink sleepy cuddles”

Kim attended the event at Bolsover Castle and said “The Breastfeeding Network volunteers were the listening ear and support I needed in the early days, and when I become pregnant while still breastfeeding my toddler. They provide such a vital service for so many. It was so lovely being at the picnic at Bolsover Castle. There were so many like-minded families there celebrating their breastfeeding journeys and it was great to have so much support on hand for anyone who needed it. I was celebrating my breastfeeding journey with my 2 children, including tandem feeding for the past year, and I'm proud to say I'll be starting my training in September to be a volunteer and support other families”

Nina White, Breastfeeding Network Programme Manager, said the success of the events demonstrated the commitment of the organisation’s volunteers.

She said: “The success of our World Breastfeeding Week events reflects the passion and commitment of our amazing volunteers.

“Supported and coordinated by Alexandra Dilkes, our Volunteer Coordinator, they create welcoming spaces where families can access information, encouragement and peer support.

“Last year, we supported 2,430 people across Derbyshire, demonstrating the real difference that volunteers make within our communities every day.”

Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire has more than 70 trained volunteers providing free support across 20 venues in the county, as well as running regular virtual antenatal workshops.

The volunteers are all local parents who have experienced the challenges of feeding a baby themselves before training to become Breastfeeding Peer Supporters.

Their drop-in sessions give parents the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, meet other families, have a cup of tea, and receive trusted, up-to-date information on infant feeding.

The support sessions run in Alfreton, Ashbourne, Belper, Bolsover, Buxton, Chesterfield, Chinley, Glossop, Heanor, Hilton, Hulland Ward, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Matlock, Ripley, Swarkestone, Wirksworth, and Woodville.

More information about Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire and the free support available to Derbyshire families can be found via its Facebook and Instagram pages, or through its Linktree page: https://linktr.ee/bfn_derbyshire