Nineteen mothers have become breastfeeding buddies to new mums in Merton, following a training programme run by a community group.
Sutton and Merton Community Services (SMCS) said it wanted to encourage breastfeeding as babies that were breast fed were less likely to get infections, develop childhood obesity and diabetes and mothers were less likely to get breast and ovarian cancer.
One buddy, Zarina Ayyub, from Mitcham, breastfed all five of her children.
She said: “Breastfeeding is a precious gift and a natural bonding process for both mother and baby can be difficult in the early stages but when you see your children growing so well it is worthwhile.”
Anne Reilly who was recently appointed as infant feeding coordinator for SMCS, said: “Breastfeeding has important health benefits for both mother and baby that extend way beyond the period of breastfeeding. It is really crucial that mother’s get the help they need to carry on breastfeeding once they are home.”
Mrs Reilly added: “We know that peer support can make a really positive improvement to the numbers of mothers who breastfeed and it shows a real passion and commitment when mums voulunteer their precious time to this worthy cause.”
Mothers who are interested in becoming a breastfeeding peer support counsellor can contact jill.chaplin@smpct.nhs.uk.
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