Breast feeding help just a call away

"There's no such thing as a silly question. If it is a concern for a mum, then we are happy to help."

Anthea Brown, a lactation consultant and Plunket nurse, says when it comes to breastfeeding, "there is no one-size-fits-all type of approach. Everyone is different and everyone needs different types of support at times though their parenting journey."

Anthea covers the Central Taranaki area for Taranaki's Tiaki kaip Lactation Service, a joint project between Tui-Ora and Plunket funded by Taranaki District Health Board. The service is available to anyone and the project has just completed training the first group of peer supporters for Central Taranaki.

Anthea says she is delighted with the training of a fantastic and enthusiastic group of peer supporters, who are now ready to provide emotional and practical support to breastfeeding mums in the area.

"They are all mums who have breastfed their own children and want to share their knowledge with others."

Julie Foley, who is a breastfeeding co-ordinator and lactation consultant based in New Plymouth for Tui Ora, says the purpose of peer supporters is to provide support and encouragement to mums at any point in their breastfeeding experience.

"It is like having a friend just a phone call away, whether you are pregnant and would like some information on breastfeeding, establishing breastfeeding, returning to work or need help with weaning, the peer supporters are there to provide you with information and support when you need it."

Anthea says the peer supporters provide an extension of the lactation support already available in the area.

"The Taranaki District Health Board has recognised the need for support in this area, leading to an extension in the hours of the Tiaki kaip services, enabling us to offer extra services such as the weekly lactation support clinic in Stratford and peer counsellors." With the five newly graduated supporters, there are now more than 20 breastfeeding peer supporters across Taranaki. For one, Carol Burroughs, the training was a natural progression of her work as a doula (birth supporter).

"I just feel it expands my knowledge and increases the ways I can help mothers after birth."

Kayla Whittle says she has enjoyed the training and is looking forward to helping others. The best advice she can give?

"Follow your instincts. Mum does know best."

Need help or support? A weekly breastfeeding clinic runs at the Pregnancy Help building on Romeo Street Stratford. Thursdays, 10am - noon. Drop-ins welcome. While Pregnancy Help is closed between December 17 and January 20, home visits are available. to be referred to a lactation consultant or peer supporter, talk to your Plunket or Well Child nurse, midwife or GP or call Tui Ora on 06 759 4064.