Often one of the best assets new families have are the grandparents.
Providers of practical support, childcare and financial backing! What would we do without them?
We know that grandparents provide children with so much, and the relationship between new parents and their parents gives children their first insights into how families work.

The feedback we got from new families was that their own parents were a great source of support, but it was often difficult as much of the information had changed and parents were torn between listening to advice from their parents and wanting to follow the research based information given to them.

So BfT stepped in and developed our Grandparents Workshop!

Our workshop is focused very much on bridging the gap between the generations, because it’s all based on the latest research we can explain why-

• Why picking your baby up every time they cry doesn’t create a rod for your own back (it actually helps their brain to develop and create a secure attachment)
• Why we don’t give breastfed babies cool boiled water (your breastmilk will adapt to meet their needs for thirst as well as hunger)
• Why we wait until 6 months to introduce solid foods (their digestive system just isn’t ready before then)
• Why we don’t put babies to sleep on their tummies or sides (we know much more about the associated risks of SUDI now)

It’s not about saying what was done was wrong, but just what the latest research shows us…

After all, when we know better we can do better!

So if you are pregnant or have a newborn, why not book the new grandparents onto our online session and help them to help you on the exciting journey of being a new parent!

Our next session runs on the 22nd of November, click here to book, or for details of other future sessions click here.

You might remember back in June, Breastfeeding Together were named as recipients of The Queens award for Voluntary Service!

We had really hoped that by now we’d be able to receive the award in a lavish ceremony, and throw a huge party for all our wonderful volunteers.

Yet as with so many things in 2020, that wasn’t meant to be and in the end it was a simple affair, as yesterday our directors officially accepted the award from The Queen’s representative.

And here it is!

• Our silver lining of 2020
• Our Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service- Signed by Her Majesty herself, in recognition of the amazing work we do, and the impact we have had on our community.

So, although we can’t have the celebration we really want, it doesn’t make this any less special. We are overwhelmed all over again, just as we were back in June. We cannot thank our volunteers and all of those who have continued to support and believe in us enough, we couldn’t have done it without you!

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!

On the back of World mental health day yesterday, and as this week (October 9-15) is Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are honoured that Abigail has chosen to share her story with us.

This one comes with a trigger warning, as it discusses baby loss.

And if you do read on, make sure you have tissues close to hand!

Thank you to Abigail and Francis for sharing, you are truly inspirational.

When I was pregnant I knew that I wanted to “at least try breastfeeding, but I wasn’t going to get hung up over it if I couldn’t do it”. But as soon as my baby, Francis was born in June 2019 I became obsessed with all things breastfeeding. I think it was due to all the amazing support I had from the hospital, Breastfeeding Together and family that got me through those tricky first few weeks and made breastfeeding such an amazing experience. I would breastfeed anywhere and everywhere, and I loved every second of it. Francis was born with a Congenital Heart Defect, and I knew that breastfeeding was giving him the best possible chance in life. However, at just 6 months old my baby boy suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in my arms due to his heart condition.

Within only a few hours I was full again, ready to feed him. I told my son’s consultant who had come to speak with us, sent for a Midwife who appeared with a breast pump. I’d never used a pump before, but she showed me how to put it together and I was able to express. She told me how to slow my supply over the next two weeks and offered me medication to help. But I asked her if it was possible to donate my milk. I’d seen something about it on instagram a few weeks before but I wasn’t even possible if it was something that happened in this country, let alone in Wigan. She went away and got a phone number for the North West Milk Bank who my mum called once we were home. She recommended only doing it until my milk dried up, but I felt like this was a new calling for me.

Particularly in those early dark days, expressing milk was the only thing that gave my life any meaning. I had to eat for the milk. I had to drink for the milk. I had to get out of bed for the milk. I couldn’t turn to drink and drugs as so many people in that situation do because of the milk. I donated to the North West Human Milk Bank until Francis was 9 months old (and then slightly longer to help with COVID milk supplies) and since then I have donated to three other babies through Human Milk 4 Human Babies. Getting to see these babies grow up is such a privilege for me and my husband and is helping to keep Francis’ legacy alive. These children will grow up knowing about Francis, and as Francis’ Mummy and Daddy that is all we can ask. Today (10/10/2020) marks 16 months of breastfeeding. From feeding Francis nearly 12 hours per day in December I am now expressing just twice, once in the morning and once at night. Like I have with every other feed, I will continue to listen to my body and cut down as and when I feel ready.

I can’t thank everyone involved in our feeding journey enough. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that breastfeeding has saved my life.

We are pleased to announce the services which The National Lottery Community Fund will allow us to provide!

This funding allows us to continue-

Our Live Web Chat which runs daily from 10am-1pm & 7pm-10pm accessed by clicking the chat icon in the corner of the screen.

Our popular online Facebook support group ‘Breastfeeding Together-Connect & Share’

It also allows us to introduce the following new services-

Our Breastfeeding Support Line is back! Speak to a trained supporter between 10am-10pm daily on 07742 234496

2 new online support groups-  Bumps and Brew for pregnant women & Boobs and Brews for infant feeding support. Find details of both groups here.

New 1:1 online pregnancy wellbeing and information sessions are available to pregnant women. Find information and booking details here.

All these services are now available to families across the UK!