Breastfeeding is an amazing achievement. Not just for babies who benefit from the nutrients contained in real baby milk, but also for their mums, partners and families.

THE CAMPAIGN

The Be a Star campaign is dedicated to increasing the number of young mums who choose to breastfeed. We hope to do this by showcasing the beauty, confidence and pride that comes with breastfeeding, as well as providing breastfeeding information and support and highlighting the unique health benefits that it brings to both baby and mum.

We have created this blog to provide breastfeeding advice and information and to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved in our growing community of breastfeeding mums - to take part in topical discussions, share tips and support other mums with your advice and experience.

If there are any topics you would like to see covered on the blog, or if you require information that you can’t find here, please click here to email us your thoughts/ suggestions.

You can also access information in the main section of the blog and locate your nearest children’s centre local support section.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date as new information appears on this site, please subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking the icon above or following this link

We are keen to hear from you, not just your experiences of breastfeeding (click here to post your experience), but your comments on the campaign and blog, so please do log in and get posting.

If you know any other mums or expectant mums who need breastfeeding advice and support, forward on our details and let’s work together to help more mums choose to breastfeed. Equally, if you know any mum whose family or partner are struggling with the idea of them breastfeeding, ask them to log on for breastfeeding advice and support that is relevant to them.

Local Support Groups

Hazel Woodcock
Infant Feeding Coordinator
Mon - Thurs 9am - 5pm
Message can be left out of hours
Tel: 01709 304 265

Rotheham Disctrict General Hospital
Feeding workshop/maternity services
Ward B10
Tel: 01709 304 348
Drop in: Thurs 1.30pm - 3pm
Tel: 01709 304 265

Afterthoughts
Tel: 01709 307 123

Breast Pump Loans
Available at every Children’s Centre.
£10 + £10 refundable deposit

Children’s Centres

Rawmarsh Children’s Centre
Mums Know Breast
Mon 9.30am - 11.30am
Tel: 01709 336 898

Rotherham Central Children’s Centre
Bumps & Babies: Mon 12noon -1.55pm
Babies to Breast: Fri 9.30am - 11.30am
Tel: 01709 336 660

Wath Victoria Children’s Centre
Drop in: Mon 10am - 12.30pm
Tel: 01709 302 586

Rockingham Children’s Centre
Babies to Breast: Thurs 12noon - 1.30pm
Tel: 01709 336 688

Mothercare: Rotherham
Babies to Breast: Monthly: 1st Saturday
Tel: 01709 780 111

Kimberworth Community Children’s Centre
Monthly: 1st Monday
Tel: 01709 740 879

Helpful numbers:
Breastfeeding

24hr Breastfeeding Helpline
Tel: 01709 307 959

National Breastfeeding Helpline
Calls are answered locally by trained mothers.
9.30am - 9.30pm
Tel: 0300 100 0212
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk

Breastfeeding Network
0870 900 8787

National Childbirth Trust
Tel: 0870 444 8708

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (24hrs)
Tel: 0870 401 771

La Leche League (24hrs)
Tel: 0845 120 2918

Parentline Plus (24hrs)
Advice on bringing up children
Tel: 0808 800 2222

Helpful numbers:
Sexual Health

Central Clinic
Rotherham Community Health Centre
Tel: 01709 423 129

GU—Medicine
Rotherham Hospital
Tel: 01709 307 777

Sexwise Youth Clinic
Tel: 01302 730 400

Young & Free
Free and confidential Chlamydia screening for 16-24yr olds
www.tht.org.uk/free

Help72
Free and confidential emergency hormonal contraception
www.help72.co.uk

Youth Start
Tel: 01709 820 100

Know The Score
Tel: 01709 836 047

Helpful numbers

Turning Point Rotherham
Tel: 01709 364 804

Stop Smoking Service
Tel: 01709 422 444

Home Start
Tel: 01709 829 165

National Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: 0808 2000 247

The Samaritans
Tel: 01709 361 717

Connexions
Young parent support
Tel: 01709 821 184

Brook Advisory Service
Tel: 0808 802 1234

Postnatal Illness
Tel: 0114 287 2530

Rotherham Family Planning Centre
Tel: 01709 304 845

KERRY WILLIAMS, FROM ROTHERHAM AND MUM TO EVAN

Kerry lives in Blackburn, Rotherham with her 10 month-old son Evan. Before she became a mum Kerry worked full time. She plans to return to work once Evan is a little older

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I made the decision to breastfeed early in my pregnancy because I found out that it helps to shed baby weight. It made sense, as it doesn’t cost anything and it’s the best thing for my baby and for me.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Most people I know were shocked! All of my friends with children bottle-fed their babies, so it came as a bit of shock to everyone that I was doing things differently.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Go for it! It’s an amazing feeling knowing that you can give your baby everything that they need.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, as long as you do what’s best for you and your baby.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Only one, no one else can take the night feeds!

STACEY  NEWMAN, FROM PARKGATE AND MUM TO RHYS

Stacey lives in Parkgate with her 5 week-old son Rhys. Before she became a mum Stacey was working as barstaff at a local pub. She plans to return to work once Rhys is older, but would much rather spend every second of the day with her new baby.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
It’s better for the baby and helps you to lose your baby weight! I have always wanted to breastfeed, right from the very start of my pregnancy.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My partner was very supportive as were my parents—they’re all really proud of me.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Do it! No matter how hard it is at first, it does get easier, so stick at it! You’ll be glad you did.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Don’t let anyone talk you out of it, because the bond you get with your baby is unreal and the feeling of achievement afterward is really good too.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Breastfeeding your baby can be very tiring, but it really is worth it.

Local Support Groups

You can call us with any questions or concerns about breastfeeding. We will call you back and offer to visit you at home or meet you at a group.
Call 07961 609 626 or see below for details.

National Breastfeeding Helpline*
Tel: 0300 100 0212
*Calls are answered locally by trained mothers

Breastfeeding Network Supporter Line*
9.30am – 9.30pm
Tel: 0300 100 0210
*Calls are answered locally by trained mothers

Breastfeeding Groups

Burdett Centre
Wallwood Street,
E14 7BW
Monday 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Tel: 020 7093 1442

Eva Armsby Centre
6 Glamis Way,
E1W 3EG
Monday 11am to 1pm
Tel: 020 7780 9604

Little Oaks Children’s Centre
Pelter Street,
E2 7PE
Tuesday 2pm to 4pm
Tel: 020 7364 0422

Collingwood Children’s Centre
Buckhurst Street,
E1 5AT
Wednesday 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Tel: 020 7364 0539

Overland Children’s Centre
60 Parnell Road,
E3 2RU
Friday 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Tel: 020 7364 0538

Barkantine Birth Centre
121 Westferry Road,
E14 8JH
Sunday 2pm to 4pm
Tel: 020 7791 8300

Drop in to any of these groups to meet other breastfeeding mothers.
Help is available if you need it.

Breastfeeding Out and About

All Tower Hamlets Children’s Centres welcome mums to come in at any time to feed their babies. They will provide a private space if you wish.
To find your nearest Children’s Centre call 020 7364 6495

Other Helpful Numbers

Family Information Service
To find out about local Children’s Centres and childcare
Tel: 020 7364 6495

Connexions
Mile End Park–One Stop Shop
Tel: 020 7364 4569

NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 46 47

Parentline Plus 24hrs
Advice on bringing up children
Tel: 0808 800 2222

CRY-SIS Helpline
Support for families with a crying baby.
9.00am to 10.00pm
Tel: 0845 122 8669

Other Helpful Numbers

Tower Hamlets Stop Smoking Services
Tel: 0800 169 1943

Drug and Alcohol Services
Lifeline (under 19)
Tel: 020 7093 3007
Lifeline (19 & over)
Tel: 020 7790 1344

Sexual Health Services
For women and young people
Tel: 0800 587 4315
Text: 07813 698 029
www.wyps-nhs.com

Tower Hamlets College
Tel: 020 7510 7510

Care To Learn
Childcare while you learn
Tel: 0800 121 8989

Homless Person’s Unit
Tel: 020 7364 7474

JENNA DADY, 19 FROM TOWER HAMLETS AND MUM TO KAYLA

Jenna lives in Stepney Green, London with her 10 month-old daughter Kayla. Before she became a mum Jenna spent 2 years studying at college, before working as a nanny. Now that she has had a child of her own, she is looking forward to new challenges and plans to learn how to drive. She is also considering pursuing a career in child-minding.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I have always known that I wanted to Breastfeed. I knew that because my mum breastfed me, I would always have her full support.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Some people were quite negative about it and acted like they knew it all. They said bottles were better and would fatten the baby up. But my mum, friends from church and nurses were all very supportive of breastfeeding and wanted me to make my own decision.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
It’s a good idea to read up about breastfeeding and talk to your Midwife. There’s lots of information out there about breastfeeding, you just have to look for it.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I would say breast is best! And if you want to breastfeed your child nothing is stopping you, don’t listen to other people, you are your own person and its your child.

Did you speak to anyone for advice, or do any research about feeding your baby?
Not really, I knew all about breastfeeding because my mum was feeding my brothers whilst I was growing up. It was all just normal to me.

Do you think there are any drawback to breastfeeding, if so what are they?
No! None at all. I’m going to start weaning Kayla soon but at the moment, breastfeeding is great, she’s ill at the moment and breastfeeding is like medicine, she comes off the boob all happy.

BOBBY-JAYNE , 24 FROM BOW AND MUM TO ANNA

Bobby-Jayne lives in Bow, London with her 2 month-old daughter Anna. Before she became a mum Bobby-Jayne was studying beauty therapy at college. She plans to return to her studies in a few months, when Anna is older.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I chose to breastfeed because I knew it was the best possible start for my baby.  I always knew that I would breastfeed, even before I was pregnant.  And once I was pregnant, I really liked the idea of burning off all of that baby weight!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My parents are really proud. I think my friends were quite shocked—they were like “Really? You’re breastfeeding?” My partner was pleased that I was doing the best for the baby.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
It’s normal to feel worried about the unknown. I would say, go for it. If things go wrong, there is lots of help available and it gets much easier once mum and baby get the hang of it!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I don’t want to say on the blog what I’d really say, because it would be too rude! I think the decision is entirely for the individual who’s given birth to the baby. Mums need to go by what feels right for them, not what other people say.

Did you speak to anyone for advice, or do any research about feeding your baby?
Everyone I spoke to – doctors, midwives, health visitors – all advised me that breastfeeding is the best possible start for my baby.  My sister breastfed her four children and that really inspired me.

CHARISSA COOKE, 25 FROM SWINTON AND MUM TO MALACHI

Charissa lives in Swinton with her 1 year-old son Malachi. Before she became a mum Charissa was heavily involved in charity work, coordinating Christian Music events and working for African charity ‘Ekco’. Since having Malachi, Charissa has returned to work part time as a performer, touring the UK with her baby.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I’ve always wanted to breastfeed because I know that it’s best for my baby and the most natural thing in the world. It’s also cheap, convenient, it helps me to have a close bond with my baby and can help you to lose weight after the birth.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My husband really supported my choice to breastfeed as did my family and friends. I know I couldn’t have carried on without their support.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a really rewarding and nourishing way to feed your baby. It can take a while for you and your baby to learn how to do it well, but after you’ve got through the tiredness of the first 6 weeks you’ll find it gets much easier and becomes one of the most enjoyable times you spend with your baby. And remember, if you do struggle, get support, there’s loads out there to help you!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
The most important thing to bear in mind is that as a mother, you need to do what’s best for your baby and what works for you. Your baby has to come first, not everyone else—and ultimately, it’s your decision to make, not theirs. As for all the people that disapprove, there’ll be more out there that do approve and will encourage you, but you need to seek them out at groups, and through breastfeeding mentors.

KELLY EASTWOOD, 21 FROM WALKDEN AND MUM TO EBONY

Kelly lives in Walkden with her 4 week-old daughter Ebony. Before she became a mum Kelly was studying English Language and Literature through the Open University. After giving birth to her beautiful baby girl, she now plans to return to her studies and work towards becoming a teacher.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I really enjoy the closeness and the way that it has helped me bond. There’s also the practical issues of it being cheaper and easier – no making bottles in the middle of the night! And I’ve got my flat tummy back!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My mum breastfed and so did her friends, so they have been supportive. They were also very surprised because they didn’t think it was me: I’m still young – they think I’m glamorous and stylish because I like to look good and dress well. So, they were a bit shocked, in a good way, that I decided to breastfeed.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
You have to persevere. Don’t expect it to be easy and if it doesn’t happen straightaway keep at it and don’t think it’s all your fault. It really is something to be proud of and you should never be made to feel embarrassed about feeding in public. It gives your baby the best possible start and it will really help you to bond with them.

KYLIE HEYWOOD, 20 FROM THE LITTLE HULTON AND MUM
TO KYRAN

Kylie lives in Little Hulton with her 4 month-old son Kyran. Before giving birth to Kyran, Kylie was studying to be a fitness instructor and lifeguard but is now working towards a career in the police force. In preperation for her new career, Kylie has been put through her paces on a number of challenging courses.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
It’s best for my baby. I want to give Kyran the best start possible. My body knows what he needs and, as his mum, I can make sure he is getting all the nutrients and vitamins to help him grow and be healthy.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
My partner has been really supportive and he’s very proud of the fact that I’m feeding Kyran with my own milk. I had a lot of support from my midwife, which was really useful. I’ve had quite a few health problems - mastitis, an abscess and thrush – that has made it really difficult for me to feed. The support I’ve received has been very important to keep me going despite my illnesses. In the end I got to the point where it was impossible to feed Kyran directly from the breast. Rather than giving up and putting him on formula, I’m now feeding with expressed milk.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
The bottom line is that it is best for your baby. I know people who have bottle-fed and their babies are more unsettled. Babies seem more content when they are breastfed. It’s important to look after yourself as well as your baby. Get advice from your doctor about how to stay healthy yourself – take vitamins and make sure you eat well.

If you ever think about giving up because it gets too difficult, just look at your baby – how well he is growing and how content he is – for me, this made everything worthwhile. If things aren’t going smoothly, try lots of different things. You don’t have to do it strictly by the book and don’t be afraid to stand your ground if other people are encouraging you to bottle feed, it’s your baby and your decision.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Remember that it’s your choice. You have to do what’s best for your baby and if your partner is not supporting you, you have think about whether he’s the
right man.