NIKKI CARR, 22, FROM SCARBOROUGH WITH 7-MONTH-OLD BABY ALFIE

Mum of three Nikki lives in Scarborough with her new son, Alfie, and two other children. Before she became a mum, Nikki was working full-time. Now that she has given birth to Alfie, Nikki is taking time out to take good care of her little ones.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
It never really occurred to me that I could feed my baby on formula. Breastfeeding has always been a big part of my life—my mum and aunties breastfed their babies so it’s just something that I’ve been used to seeing.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Most people were very proud. Some of my friends found it a bit weird— the fact that I wanted to feed Alfie myself. Generally, people have been great, although some people were less supportive when my 2nd and 3rd babies were over 6 months and I was still feeding them.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Do your research! It’s a great idea to do your homework about breastfeeding and really get a sense of what it’s all about. Try to attend feeding groups as well, if you can, where you can meet other mums like you. In my experience, you have to realise that it can be very, very hard in the first week, but stick it out as breastfeeding quickly becomes stress and pain free.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Show them the many, many benefits of breastfeeding, either by talking to them, or by leaving leaflets ‘lying’ around ; ) At the end of the day though, you’re giving your baby the best possible start in life and it’s nobody’s decision but yours.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
The only ones I can think of are that you can’t leave your baby for long—not that you’ll want to! And only you can do the night feeds.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding? If so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I did a lot of research on the internet, went to lots of local breastfeeding groups and read books—my midwife gave me lots to read which was really helpful.

RACHEL LAWSON, 18, FROM YORK WITH 7-MONTH-OLD BABY CHLOE

Rachel lives in York with her daughter, Chloe. Before she became a mum, Rachel worked full-time. Rachel plans to return to work soon, but for now is focusing on spending lots of quality time with her daughter.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I chose to breastfeed my daughter because I know that my breast milk is healthy and nutritious for my baby. For some people it can be a difficult decision, but I’ve always had my mind set on breastfeeding!

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
They all really admire me for making the decision to breastfeed Chloe. They all know it’s the natural, healthy way to feed your baby. People have been really supportive.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Don’t give up! Keep trying. It can be tough at times but the results are really worth it!

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
You really shouldn’t care about what other people think. If you’re sure that it’s something that you want to do for your baby, it’s up to you. It’s your decision.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Not really… you may get sore nipples at first but you easily get used to it.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding? If so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
No. I’ve always known that breastfeeding was the way that I wanted to feed my baby.

Most women who stop breastfeeding early give up because they don’t get enough support.

Research shows that a whopping 9 out of 10 women who stop within 6 weeks don’t actually want to give up, but feel it is too difficult to carry on. Other studies show that only 3% of women can’t breastfeed because of
physical reasons.

These alarming statistics show how important it is for dads to support their partners during these vital early stages to reduce the chances of her giving up.

It is now scientifically proven that breastfed babies grow up fitter and stronger than those that are formula fed. And with dads getting more and more involved in bringing up babies, breastfeeding has become a real joint effort.

Tim Cooke, a 29 year-old MC from Swinton said, “I read all the leaflets and realised that it was definitely the best thing for my baby. My wife wanted to try her hardest to feed naturally, so I decided I was going to do everything I could to support her.” Although most dads work hard to pull their weight around the house when mum and baby get home, many still overlook the emotional support that she needs.

Click here to read more about how you can help.

Breastfeeding information and support

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

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Open 7 days a week from 8am until 3pm
Tel: 0300 3300 771

Children’s Centres

York

Acomb Health Centre
Acomb
Contact Lynn: 01904 724 889

The Family Corner
Clifton
Tel: 01904 552 323

The House, Hob Moor
Acomb
Tel: 01904 555 066

The Avenues
Heworth
Tel: 01904 551 250

Local support groups

YorBabe
Ante-natal support group for young women.
Contact Denise on:
Tel: 07961 483 687 or on 01904 725 436/725 440

Babes in Arms
Post-natal support group for young women.
Contact Trina (Connexions personal advisor) on:
Tel: 07920 021 434

Both ‘YorBabe’ and ‘Babes in Arms’ can put you in touch with peer supporters who can help you with breastfeeding or let you know when local breastfeeding workshops are taking place.

Scarborough

Scarborough Children’s Centre
Briercliffe
Tel: 01609 798 700

Eastfield and Derwent Valley c/o Link Walk Centre
Tel: 01609 534 053

Central Ryedale
Ryedale
Tel: 0845 034 9586

Local support groups

Baby Oasis
Friarage Children’s Centre c/o Talbot house
Contact Anita on: 01751 472 652
Or telephone: 01609 798 840

More information about local breastfeeding support groups are listed on the NHS North Yorkshire and York website.

Breastfeeding friendly venues

The following information is a list of venues suggested as breastfeeding friendly by local mums. If you’re a breastfeeding mum and would like to add a location to the list, please email us at: enquiries@nyypct.nhs.uk

Scarborough

Scarborough Library and Information Centre
Vernon Road
Scarborough
YO11 2NN
Tel: 0845 034 9516

Mr Jingles Mall Café
Brunswick Centre
14 Brunswick Shopping Centre
Town Centre
Scarborough
YO11 1UE
Tel: 01723 351 776‎

McDonalds
11/17 Huntriss Row
Scarborough
Tel: 01723 500 122

Dunslow Road
Eastfield
Scarborough
Tel: 01723 585 449

Debenhams café
Brunswick Shopping Centre
Vernon Road
Scarborough
YO11 1UE
Tel: 0844 561 6161

Sainsbury’s
62-64 Ramshill Road
Scarborough
Tel: 01723 365 658

Sunny’s Coffee Shop
31 St. Thomas Street,
Scarborough YO11 1DY
Tel: 01723 370 027‎

Costa coffee
1 Westborough & 5 Bar Street
Scarborough
YO11 1UH
Tel: 01723 374 915

Marks and Spencer Café
8 Newborough
Scarborough
YO11 1NA
Tel: 01723 375 673

Barracuda Bar
ST. Nicholas Street
Scarborough
YO11 2HF

Breastfeeding Information and Support

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

Solihull breastfeeding services
9.00am - 5.00pm
Tel: 0800 015 3265

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding line
Tel: 0300 33 00 771

Breastpump Loan Scheme
Elaine Bates
Breastfeeding coordinator
Tel: 07807 249 055

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
24 hrs
Tel: 08444 122 949

La Leche League
24 hrs
Tel: 0845 120 2918

Helpful Numbers

Aquarius
Information and advice on alcohol
Tel: 0121 711 3732

Welcome
Information and advice on drugs (over 18s)
Tel: 0121 678 4730

Straight Up
Information and advice on drugs (under 18s)
Tel: 0845 120 2918

Domestic Violence Police Helpline
Tel: 0121 712 6113

YOU+
Healthy Lifestyle Shop
Tel: 0121 712 7770

Connexions
Chelmsley Wood
Tel: 0121 770 1861

Stop Smoking Services
Tel: 0800 015 8512

Breastfeeding Cafés

YOU+
Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Tel: 07807 249 055 / 0800 015 3256

Chelmsley Wood, Marstongreen
and Forbridge Children’s Centre
Tuesdays, 10am - 12noon
Linda Davis
Tel: 0121 248 7606

Lyndon Children’s Centre
Rodney Road
Wednesdays 1pm - 2.30pm
Cherrie Russel
Tel: 0121 704 8768

Lady Katherine Leveson
C of E Primary School
Fen End Road, West
Tuesdays 1pm - 2.30pm
Tel: 0121 248 7654

The Bridge
234 Stratford Road
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
10am - 11.30am

Ante-natal services
Feeding your baby: Ante-natal session
Thursdays 11am - 12noon
Solihull Hospital
Tel: 0121 424 5363

LAURA HEELEY, 22, SOLIHULL, WITH 9-WEEK-OLD BABY ELLE

Laura lives with daughter Elle. Before giving birth to her baby, Laura worked for a local health club. She plans to return to work once Elle is a little older. Laura loves exercise, especially swimming and going to the gym, music and dancing!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
As soon as I found out that I was pregnant, I decided that I wanted to breastfeed. Support from my family and friends has really helped me along the way.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone was really supportive of my decision. They were all really proud of me for giving it a go.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
It’s the most natural thing in the world, and the real positives that come from breastfeeding override people’s opinions!

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
There are no drawbacks. It’s milk on tap isn’t it?!

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Get as much advice as you can before you give birth, and once your baby arrives, seek some tips and techniques to help you on your way.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
Luckily, my partner’s auntie is a breastfeeding coordinator, so she gave me lots of good advice. There is lots of support out there, check out the local support page above for details of what is available to you in your area.

CHARLOTTE HAYNES, 24, FROM SOLIHULL WITH 10-WEEK-OLD BABY REBECCA

Charlotte lives in Solihull with daughter Rebecca. Charlotte really enjoys playing netball, going swimming and spending lots of time with her new arrival.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I made the decision to breastfeed very early in my pregnancy, as soon as I found out that I was going to have a baby. I have chosen to breastfeed Rebecca because I know that it is the very best thing for her.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Very proud! My mum had not been able to successfully breastfeed me but was a great support. My friends think that it’s great also and really support me when I need to feed in public.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
That’s crazy! It’s the best for your baby and sooo easy! No bottles to sterelise, just put your baby on and away you go!

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Wet bras! (sorry, too much information!) And to start off with, you might get sore nipples.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Go for it! Get all the advice and support that you can from the maternity ward staff, community midwife, health visitors and breastfeeding coordinators. It is ‘different’ and the first week is all about getting you and your baby used to feeding. Go with it, it’s well worth it!

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I got a lot of information from my Parentcraft sessions and the excellent support from the maternity ward and Elaine Bates (my local breastfeeding coordinator).

DANIELLE DOWLING, 17, SOLIHULL, WITH 13-WEEK-OLD BABY EVIE

Danielle lives with daughter Evie. Since giving birth to Evie, Danielle has been spending quality time with her friends, family and new arrival. Once Evie is a little older, Danielle plans to enroll at her local college.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I decided to breastfeed Evie whilst I was pregnant, because I know that it’s the very best thing for her.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
I found that most of the people that I talked to about breastfeeding were encouraging.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
That there’s NOTHING wrong with it! Breastfeeding is natural!

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
I really think that breastfeeding helps you to bond with your baby. There are other benefits too though, breastfeeding has helped me to lose my baby weight quickly and Evie gets less wind than she would have had, if I had bottle fed.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
No! Not at all.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding, if so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I had lots of advice from my mom and my health visitor about why it’s best for me and my baby. My boyfriend has been really encouraging too.

Even though breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, it can take a while to get used to getting your boobs out when out shopping or with friends.

Many mums don’t always know where to go, what clothes to wear or even how to lift their top up (or down!) without flashing their boobs. Which often makes them worry about what other people think.

We want to use these posts to explain how to get the confidence to feed anywhere. There’s stuff on how to feed privately and how to wear
clothes that keep your assets covered up. There’s also some really good advice on how to handle those strange people who still think that babies should be fed in the toilet!

However you choose to feed your baby, best of luck. Let us know how you go on by commenting below.

To read on, please click on one of the links below:

Where is the best place to breastfeed?
Do people get funny about breastfeeding?
How to avoid flashing your boobs whilst breastfeeding.

The Be A Star Team.

Never, ever in a toilet! Imagine asking an adult or a bottlefed baby to have their dinner in the toilet! We don’t think breastfeeding is something you need to hide, but it’s important that you do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Here’s some tips.

Time and place

• Try and get settled somewhere before your baby gets hungry. If they start crying they might draw more attention to you.
• In cafés, get a seat that is out of the way. If you have to keep moving your chair, it might upset the baby’s feed.

Breastfeeding friendly places

• Larger shops are starting to offer mum and baby rooms for breastfeeding.

Find a quiet spot

• Many young women feel better if they can find somewhere out of the way.
• Fitting rooms are good.
• In a café you can sit with your back to the room.
• Some people even nip out to the car for 10 minutes.

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Click here for more advice on breastfeeding your baby discretely.

The Be A Star Team.