Hello
I’m Liz and I’m working with the Public Health Team at Thurrock Council on a baby feeding research project, with this phase focusing on improving the information and support on offer to parents who want to breastfeed. This follows research across Thurrock in 2019 when we heard from a wide variety of parents (and parents-to-be) about their experiences and needs. There have already been service improvements coming from this:
- Investment in family hubs to offer so much more to every parent
- A breastfeeding peer supporter – an experienced helper who’s in your corner
- A tongue tie specialist
Thanks for taking part in our survey and opting into this info test-drive. The list below is a shortlist of websites and apps that the research has identified as providing the answers that parents need….. there’s really handy tips for both mums and partners so they can feel well-informed and prepared to troubleshoot problems with knowledge and confidence, making a fantastic TEAM BABY!
But we need you to share your honest views about what you find most helpful and why. So please take a look at the links below together and give us your feedback using this short online survey. If you’re expecting in the next few weeks, please don’t rush to complete the survey, as you may find some of the links really helpful if you hit problems with breastfeeding and we’d rather hear your views when you’ve had the opportunity to try everything out and discover what’s most useful to you. I’ll send you a reminder when the survey is due in.
Websites
Start for Life
Trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative
Lots of mums I’ve spoken to struggled with breastfeeding at the beginning and this is often because it takes a while for mum and baby to get the hang of correct attachment. These videos show effective attachment and incorrect attachment.
Dads and partners – this is great preparation for you in advance – so you can help mum conquer breastfeeding in the early days and save a whole lot of pain! Think of yourself as coach, helping your striker score a goal….
Breastfeeding Network
The Breastfeeding Network is a charity with no commercial interest in infant feeding and aims to be an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others.
They run the national Breastfeeding Helpline which is open 9.30am till 9.30pm every day.
Apps
Baby Buddy
An award-winning, NHS-approved app that provides evidence-based information and self-care tools, based on the latest research.
Breastfeeding Friend
A digital tool from NHS Start for Life that answers your questions with practical information and advice on breastfeeding. Available 24/7 via Amazon Alexa, Facebook Messenger and Google Assistant.
Especially for dads and partners
Research says that dads and partners often feel left out, or helpless in the early days when mums can struggle with breastfeeding. Building your knowledge is crucial to success. Here are some websites that cover hot topics arising from our research in Thurrock:
NCT – how dads can support breastfeeding
The National Childbirth Trust is a recognised, independent source of trusted information for parents, offering evidence-based information and short courses in-person and online.
Practical tips from ParentClub
Handy tops and tools from the Scottish Parent Club.
Dads Adventure
This is an American website that tells it how it is, no holes barred! But there’s a lot of handy tips from other men to help you out.
Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative attachment videos
Copied from above as a reminder not to miss these videos that will help you to nail correct positioning.
When you’ve had the chance to try out all the above, please share your feedback using this short online survey – thank you!