If you are pregnant or have recently welcomed a new baby – congratulations! If you’re thinking about breastfeeding, we have lots of support and inspiration from our Mamazing mams – new mothers from towns and villages right here in Redcar and Cleveland. Meet them below!
Timmi Duncan
“Breastfeeding may be hard…but it’s magical”
Timmi Duncan, a brand new mam for the third time, is clear: Breastfeeding is hard work and was tough at first…and yet, she says, “absolutely magical.”
“You learn that it really is amazing, magic stuff for baby,” says Timmi, who brought home her third child, newborn Enid, just weeks ago.
Also mother to Ida-Mae, 5, and Maevis, 2, Timmi continued: “If your baby is sick your body often ‘knows’ through your baby’s saliva – that’s how in tune you are with your child – and the milk will change to contain more antibodies. It’s the same if it’s very hot – your milk will sometimes increase water content a little to hydrate the baby. This stuff blows my mind!”
Not that breastfeeding has always been easy for Timmi who, like most new mams, had to persevere, especially with her first. Aware that many other new mothers struggle she advises mums-to-be to start researching breastfeeding while pregnant.
“But for me, it hasn’t been that initial tough start that was the main thing. Instead, it’s the opposite - the easiness of it, the convenience. None of that faff with bottles. You can leave the house with a lot less endless packing and unpacking of bags. And it really calms your child when they’re upset. The crying often just stops - again, like magic.”
Not every moment has been picture‑perfect, including with the – rare - negative reaction she has received.
On one occasion a family friend visited Timmi’s home with her dad. Her father, a little embarrassed, suggested Timmi go feed in her bedroom. “I just wouldn’t,” she recalls firmly. “I wasn’t hiding away. Feeding my baby is normal.
“I think that stubborn streak is the only reason I pushed through the early days. That’s my advice to new mums. Be a bit stubborn! It’s hard at first. The magic doesn’t come easy…but it comes.”
Chelsea Dyer
“Dads can’t breastfeed – but that doesn’t mean my husband can’t help”
CHELSEA Dyer, 30, of Brotton, stresses the importance of getting the support you need from professionals - but also family.
The experienced mam knows what she is talking about. Chelsea had her first child when she was 20 and has now naturally fed three of her children, Bethany, Arabella, five and now Darius who is soon to have his second birthday.
“I’ve been very lucky to have my partner, Mark,” says Chelsea. “He’s always there for us, even at times when it’s a struggle say in the early hours of the morning with no sleep and a crying baby. Men, obviously, cannot breastfeed. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have an important role. Just taking over for an hour and making you a nice drink can make all the difference in the world. I know not every mother has that – but there is professional support out there. I, for one, would like to big up the Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Teams at the Family Hubs who are so encouraging. Or just talk to other mothers online. I’ve felt more confident to talk to other mothers on social media since the campaign. I think a little encouragement can go a long way.”
As if the prove the point of his supportive role, partner and dad Mark Hunter arrives as Chelsea chats. He’s come straight from work to Dormanstown Family Hub just to show his support. “I’m proud of Chelsea for taking on her role as a breastfeeding ambassador,” he said. “I know how it’s benefited our children and it’s brilliant Chelsea and all the other mums are doing their bit to spread the word.”
Lauren Somerville
Police officer Lauren Somerville, 39, has taken her Breastfeeding Ambassador role to some of the most high-powered places in the whole Tees Valley since the first Mamazing campaign last year.
“These days I’m Chair of Cleveland Police Federation,” explained Lauren of Redcar who is, in her most important role, mam to Ben. “It’s the staff association for police and I’ve continued to speak about breastfeeding in this role and with our various networks like Women’s Network and our Parent and Carers network.
“I’ve been really pleased with the reaction. The visibility I have in this job has meant women have come forward to ask for advice around breastfeeding. That’s included women about to become mothers or about to come back to work after maternity asking for advice, but also fathers. And the most pleasing thing has been colleagues asking about how they can help facilitate the return of mothers. Just this month, I had a sergeant asking what could he do for a returning colleague, what breastfeeding facilities does he need, how could he make her feel welcome and where the breastfeeding room was in the station.
“That kind of attitude is fantastic progress and I’ve had new mums come to me saying it’s been a weight off their shoulders, knowing they’d be supported back at work.
“There have also been some challenges too like assisting officers who are going to court who need access to a breastfeeding room.”
Lauren is determined to keep breastfeeding as Ben approaches three years old. “I do get more people asking about when I’m going to stop,” she said, “but I often think about what my doctor told when I brought up the issue recently. He said, ‘whatever you do, keep going as long as you can.’ He explained the benefits are huge for baby and that it’s not just the physical benefits but in making your child feel a deep security that can help him for life. Obviously, it’s not forever, but I’m going to keep on for some time yet. As I said before, it’s really like pouring love into your child.”
Eleanor Dodsworth
New mum to baby Annabelle, proud step-mum to teenager Harry, and now a passionate voice for breastfeeding support, Eleanor Dodsworth of Guisborough is the latest local mother to share her story as part of the Mamazing campaign.
At 33, Eleanor’s journey into motherhood has been one of resilience, love, and learning. “We’re sold the line that baby naturally knows what to do… it’s totally not like that!” she laughs. “The reality is that it’s a learning experience for you and your baby.”
Eleanor and her husband Craig welcomed Annabelle into the world through IVF, a journey that brought its own challenge but the greatest of all rewards.
“We waited a long time,” said Eleanor. “It’s amazing to have Annabelle with us. Knowing that she loves me unconditionally – and you love her unconditionally. It’s amazing. I think it made me a bit more determined to breastfeed. A big support was the breastfeeding group at the Family Hub. You don’t feel alone. In the end you find your own way and own system – but with a little support It’s so worth it. Not only for the health benefits but the skin-to-skin contact, bonding and how it soothes your baby.”
She explained that, like many mothers, it was the early days of feeding that tested her resolve. “Annabelle had a tongue tie and at one stage we were syringe feeding as well as using nipple shields to help with her latch,” she explained. “You don’t know when it’s going to click… but it will. You need to be a bit determined and stubborn.”
Her advice to other new mothers is simple but powerful: “Just go with your gut, whatever you decide and whatever is possible. You know your baby like no-one else ever could.”
Eleanor’s honesty and warmth are exactly what the Mamazing campaign is all about—real stories from real mothers, helping to break down the myths and pressures around breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and it’s not always possible,” she said. “But support, kindness, and understanding can make all the difference. I want other mums to know they’re not alone.”
As a mother figure to 15-year-old Harry and now a new parent to Annabelle, Eleanor brings a unique perspective to the campaign—one that blends experience with the fresh challenges of new motherhood.
Amy Cooper
AGED just 18 with her first child at the height of Covid it perhaps isn’t surprising that Amy Cooper found breastfeeding harder with her first child than the second time around.
Today that older child, four-year-old Melody – happily bouncing around the Family Hub while her mum holds baby Oakley – is a picture of health and the more isolated Covid years continue to fade.
But Ormesby mum Amy and dad, Ben Hudson, 25, haven’t forgotten the important lessons learned from those earlier years.
“Get the help that’s out there, talk to people, get out there,” she says. “The professional support at the Family Hubs is fantastic but there’s the other support from your networks, other mums, family.”
For Amy, Melody and Oakley a crucial part of that family support comes – naturally - from partner and dad Ben. The man himself is modest about what he does, “I just try to be helpful and let Amy get a rest when she can,” he shrugs. But for Amy those little things make a big difference. “Just being left to sleep a bit longer, having a drink there when you need it in the night…it is so important. I’m lucky – but if you don’t have as much support as you’d like, get to the Family Hub, meet other mums…and give yourself a break.”
Amy is clear that the rewards of breastfeeding are worth it and says the bonding experience is her focus.
“This little someone looks at you,” she says, glancing at Oakley, “and you know they are whole-heartedly dependant on you and completely trust you. And you think, ‘I am his entire world’. Breastfeeding is part of that - and it’s beautiful. But I would say to any mam, ‘don’t put too much pressure on yourself, just try.’
“You, and only you, are the perfect mama for your little one. If you have to use a bottle for a little while do it – it doesn’t mean you’ve given up entirely: help is out there.”
Laura Heathcote
LAURA Heathcote’s motherhood journey was already tough even before the struggles she had to overcome to breastfeed her twin baby boys Billy and Henry.
The single mother - who for personal reasons made a big move from her home and friends in South Yorkshire to Skelton, East Cleveland shortly before the birth of her boys - she described the first six weeks of breastfeeding as, “the hardest thing I have done in my life.” Then, a heartbeat later glancing at her beautiful babies, Laura smiled. “It is also the single most rewarding thing I’ve done.”
It is that passion for the benefits of breastfeeding – the health benefits, the bonding, the convenience - has led her to become a firm and proud advocate to other mothers in her newly adopted community.
Laura, 37, explained she had longed for children and joy was unconfined when IVF treatment led to conception. But, the mum-to-be had a huge – if happy – shock to come.
“It was the eight-week scan and my mum was with me,” Laura recalled. “The nurse said something like, ‘look at what we have here…’ My first thought was something might be wrong so my first emotion was relief when it was clear there were no health issues. Then came the shock. An absolute shock. Twins. It was one embryo. I had absolutely no thought I’d be having two babies.”
Laura expressed her deep gratitude to her parents and, already determined to breastfeed, said she quickly knew she would need all the support she could find.
“I took a pragmatic view on natural feeding,” she said: “I have a friend who breastfed twins, so I knew it was possible but also that it would be twice as hard. Also, my boys were only 4lbs at birth. But I was very, very determined to do it.
“It was really, really tough at start and I had to push through it. I found it hard to get them to latch and be comfortable and it was the hardest thing I’ve done for the first six weeks.
“I’d say to other mothers who struggle that you do the tough bit first and it’s worth sticking with it, if you possibly can – I know that’s not always possible. The reward in bonding with your babies is 100% worth it. I’ve found it the single most rewarding part of being a mother
“I’d also say to get whatever support you can if you need it…and you will need it! This area offers so many ways to get support, including for single mums, and the people here are wonderful. My neighbours have been incredible. There’s the staff at the Family Hubs, the breastfeeding groups, the mums at the park – so much the peer support. Just ask for help, it IS there. And it’s completely non-judgemental.”
After such a journey and agreeing to take on the Breastfeeding Ambassador role, Laura enjoyed a rare chance to have a make-over at Guisborough Family Hub. She said: “It’s so nice to be pampered. It’s very rare! It’s been so lovely. But it’s not about that. I feel proud of myself for advocating for something so important.”
Why breastfeed?
There are lots of benefits for you and your baby when you breastfeed.
It can be tricky at first as it’s a skill that you and your baby learn together. But once you’ve both got used to it, you could find it an easy and rewarding experience.
Breastfeeding has health and wellbeing benefits for both you and your baby:
- breast milk is made by you to meet your baby’s needs and contains vitamins and minerals
- breast milk is always available – day and night
- breast milk gives protection from some infections and can improve your baby’s long-term health
- breastfeeding can build a strong emotional bond between you and your baby
- breastfeeding can lower your risk of serious disease
- the longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits to you and your baby
You can find out more about our local breastfeeding support services here:
Infant Feeding Services | Redcar and Cleveland
Or for more information about the benefits of breastfeeding visit the NHS website at Benefits of breastfeeding - NHS .
If you need help and support with feeding your baby, please drop into your local Family Hub or contact your Health Visitor on 01642 444011