This week on family Friday I want to tell you a little bit
about what I’m doing when I’m not crafting. About a year ago I trained as a
breastfeeding peer supporter – someone who helps new mums get to grips with
their breastfeeding journey.
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| This is the group I peer support with |
When I had littlest princess, I knew I wanted to breastfeed,
but I had no idea how passionate I’d become about it, nor how long I’d do it
for. I struggled through the first couple of months alone, and then I decided
to go along to a local breastfeeding group – and it really changed me. It was
where I met my ‘tribe’ – the group of mum friends that get me through the toughest
of times. I also met other mums who were feeding their toddlers, and learnt that feeding older children isn’t for ‘weirdo hippies’, it’s actually what we were biologically designed to do.
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| Mostly, it's just about having a hot cup of tea for once in your life |
The most important thing about going to this group is I
learnt how much good support can change a breastfeeding journey, and because of
that, and the fantastic support I received, I decided to become someone who
could give support.
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| Me, breastfeeding littlest princess like the pro I totally am not #wingingit |
It’s a great volunteer role, because once a week I turn up
and sit and drink tea and chat with other mums, all is required is a
willingness to listen, to be there and be a shoulder to cry on, and a voice of
anger on their behalf when needed. Plus, I get to coo over new born babies –
what’s not to love!
If you’re a breastfeeding mum, I’d heartily recommend
checking out your local peer support group, even if you don’t have an “issue”
that needs solving, the comradery is like nothing else.
