Hear the stories of our 'mamazing' breastfeeding ambassadors.
Meet two 'mamazing' mams from Redcar and Cleveland!
Lauren Somerville
NEW mam to baby Ben, experienced police officer, and now proud Breastfeeding Ambassador for the Mamazing campaign, Lauren Somerville has already had serious experience of championing the cause of breastfeeding mothers.
“I’m very proud to say I am a proud member of Cleveland Police women’s network at work which was the driving force to Breastfeeding rooms in each police station in Cleveland Police” said the single mother from Redcar.
“I have been a police officer since 2009 and in fact, my employers were great about it. But the really amazing thing has been the support from my colleagues and sergeants. It’s little things like having that special room and knowing other mams have done it and are there for you that can make the difference.
“It shouldn’t have to stop just because a mother is going back to work and it’s up to all of us to make sure every mother has the option to breastfeed as long as they want.”
Lauren’s passion to help other mothers including those outside of work led to her successful application to become a Breastfeeding Ambassador. And it doesn’t take long hearing her talk of her bond with Ben to understand that passion.
“Being able to breastfeed is like You’re pouring love into them, love that’s within you,” she says. “I actually get emotional about it. I’m 38 now and I didn’t think I was able to have children. Now I can’t even remember who I was before Ben.
“Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby – but only if it’s possible for you. My mother didn’t breastfeed but was super supportive but I didn’t realise the other support you need and I don’t think I really realised how important it can be until a friend suggested I go to a breastfeeding group even before I had Ben. I learned so much about the health benefits from other mums and I just became determined to do it if I possibly could. I’ve even gone on to become an Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Peer Supporter and a Breastfeeding SPOC for Cleveland Police Breastfeeding Support Group.
“It hasn’t been easy, Ben had tongue tie that needed correcting and like I say, I’m on my own. But it’s actually convenient in many ways - and the support is there. Family Hubs are brilliant they have become a massive part of my life and we’re really important for me and Benjamin in the early months after he was born. I knew they existed from my days as a neighbourhood officer, but it’s only when I became a mother doing this on my own that I understood just what they do to provide advice, support and just be a space to meet other families.”
“I’m proud to be an ambassador to help spread the word.”
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