Mums in cumbria are set to benefit from more breastfeeding support as we have appointed two new infant feeding leads.
Andrea Harriman and Bernice Radcliffe are both specialist midwives who provide important feeding support and information for new mums and families.
Bernice said:
“We know that Cumbria has lower rates than average for breastfeeding, which is where Andrea and I hope to be able to make a difference. We know that the right support from the start is vital.”
Andrea said:
"We’re really keen to support mums and families to help each and every baby get off to the best and healthiest start in life.”
Bernice and Andrea work with the wider maternity teams to offer specialist feeding support to women from birth to postnatal care in the hospital and community up to 28 days. The two also work closely with the health visiting Infant feeding team who would then offer further ongoing support.
Andrea added:
“Having support with feeding and being able to meet other people to discuss their experiences and share ideas, is a vital component of feeding success. Cumbria has a range of peer support groups, all over the county to offer this ongoing service.”
Since starting in their new roles, the infant feeding duo have been prioritising refresher training for midwives and have also set their sights on becoming ‘Baby Friendly: Stage 3’ accredited in due course, which will ensure that Breastfeeding is embedded in all aspects of maternity care.
Andrea and Bernice, alongside 15 other infant feeding midwives, health visitors and children’s nurses, are also completing a course to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, which is the highest level of accreditation for breastfeeding support and will be a valuable resource to the Cumbrian community.
Bernice added: “Excitingly we have antenatal infant feeding specific virtual classes starting in the very near future and warmly welcome all to attend. More details will be shared soon.”
As a Trust we are keen to highlight the support and resources already available to women and babies in Cumbria.
Women can get in touch with their midwife or health visitor if they have any worries or questions.
There are lots of groups across Cumbria that can offer support and information:
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Carlisle and Allerdale Breastfeeding Support Group Morton Children’s Centre, Tuesdays, 11am to 12pm (Family Action) Tel: 0122822341
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Wigton Breastfeeding Support Group at Wigton Children’s Centre, Wednesdays, 10:30am to 11:30am. (Family Action) Tel: 01900604822
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Eden Breastfeeding Support Group Penrith Children’s Centre, first and third Tuesday of the month. (Barnardos) Tel: 01768899901
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Appleby Children’s Centre, second and fourth Tuesday of the month. 1:30-2:30. (Barnardos ) Tel: 01768899901
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Egrement Childrens Centre. Allerdale and Copeland Infant Feeding Support Group, Tuesdays 12pm to 1pm. (Family Action) Tel: 0194664600
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Seaton Library Group. (BAPS) Breastfeeding and Peer Support Groups: Tuesday 1-2pm. Maryport Library Group: Thursdays 10:00-11:00.
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Facebok: BAPS.Allerdale
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National Breastfeeding Helpline - 7 days a week 9:30am to 9.30pm. Tel: 0300100212 or live online support via chat available.