A Sutton mum has shared her story after finding help at a breastfeeding support group, run by Nottinghamshire Healthcare.

Nicole, (37), wants to encourage other mums who are struggling to access the help that’s available as part of National Breastfeeding Celebration Week, 18-27 June.

Nicole, who had already breastfed three sons, found things didn’t go so well with her fourth child, Scarlett.

“The first few weeks were very hard and draining” she said.

“Scarlett had lost a lot of weight and wanted to be fed constantly. My husband and sons helped around the house so I could concentrate on feeding Scarlett, but I was tired and upset and I felt
I was failing my daughter.

“When the health visitor came to visit she referred Scarlett to a paediatrician to check everything was OK.

“The paediatrician said Scarlett was doing everything she should be doing.

“She told me breastfed babies should have a different chart in the red book to formula-fed babies as they digest breast milk easier, so feed more often, and some babies may take a little longer before they begin to follow the weight chart.

“Laura, a breastfeeding support worker, also gave me lots of support and advice and told me I should go along to the local breastfeeding support group with Scarlett.”

Nicole said she used to go to the group with her sons.

“Everyone was so friendly and had lots of helpful advice as they had all dealt with different aspects and hurdles of breastfeeding,” she said.

“If you’re struggling to breastfeed, don’t be afraid to talk to your local support group. There’s always someone who has been in your situation and whatever you’re experiencing, it doesn’t last forever.”

For information about breastfeeding support services go to www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/infant-feeding