Mums across north east Essex who choose to breastfeed their babies have more support than ever.

NHS North East Essex Provider Services Local Breastfeeding Support Team has been working in partnership with Sure Start Children’s Centres Tendring, Ormiston Colchester and Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust to ensure women who choose to breastfeed have the best possible support.

Breastfeeding volunteer peer supporters have assisted in the running of local breastfeeding support groups across Colchester and Tendring offering advice and guidance for successful breastfeeding. Those attending the groups have commented on the encouragement they received from the peer supporters and this was especially helpful when they knew they were mums like themselves who had breastfed or were still breastfeeding.

The groups are a great support to those attending and many women have continued to exclusively breastfeed for six months before introducing other foods and some have continued to breastfeed for up to one year and beyond.

The groups offer lots of great information such as when and how to start weaning at six months, baby massage, speech and language, Sure Start Children’s Centres activities and drop-ins as well as an informal place to meet new friends and have a chat in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The small team of breastfeeding peer supporters aim to contact all women following the birth of their baby across north east Essex within 48 hours of discharge from hospital or soon after a home birth. When new mothers are contacted by a member of the breastfeeding support team they offer on-going telephone and or text support, can let them know about local support groups, activities and Sure Start Children’s Centres. Should it be necessary they can offer a home visiting service. 

The team and volunteer supportors are passionate about supporting all mothers to successfully breastfeed, giving babies the best start in life, making breastfeeding fashionable and something all women want to do.

The breastfeeding team is ably supported in its work by the Children’s Community Services (Health Visiting) team.

If you are pregnant and would like more information about breastfeeding, contact the local breastfeeding support helpline on 01255 670 155. The helpline will put you in touch with your local breastfeeding peer supporter.

See our dedicated webpage for more information on your Local Breastfeeding Support Team.