MOTHERS are again campaigning in their hometowns and villages across South Tees to encourage breastfeeding.
The new Mamazing campaign follows a successful push last year in which 12 new mothers in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland were the ‘faces’ of Mamazing publicity on billboards and advertising.
Now new mothers have come forward to join the push and taken on breastfeeding ambassador roles. Some of the previous ambassadors are committing once again, telling their experiences of continuing to breastfeed older children.
One of the new ambassadors, Timmi Duncan of Redcar, has just given birth to her new baby, Enid – but is so committed to the cause she is already advocating for breastfeeding.
All the mothers have their own, sometimes emotional, stories. Many of them have struggled to breastfeed and all of them expressed support for mothers who have not been able to feed naturally.
Breastfeeding is being encouraged as the health benefits are significant for both mothers and babies. South Tees has a below-average breastfeeding initiation rate and funding for the campaign has come from Government.
‘Mamazing’ ambassadors tell their stories below:
New ambassador, Timmi Duncan gave birth to Enid on Tuesday (January 27) and is relieved to be breastfeeding again. “The hardest part of breastfeeding for me has been having to stop,” said the mother of Ada-Mae, 5, Mavis, 2, and now Enid.
“For me, there is something magical about breastfeeding. You learn that it really is amazing, magic stuff for baby. 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! My advice to new mothers is be a bit stubborn and keep going.”
Fellow new breastfeeding ambassador, Anne-Marie O’Donnell-Roberts of Middlesbrough, was undecided about breastfeeding until a special moment made up her mind forever.
“I’d had a really horrible, traumatic birth,” she said, “and, to be honest, it felt stressful when the nurse put Conor, my baby, on top of me. But then there was this moment when he turned his head and was rooting for a feed. Something clicked in my head. I thought, ‘here was this brand-new person, just minutes old, and the only thing he’s done is try to feed with me, his mother. It made me determined from that second on.”
Not that it has been at all easy. “Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. He wouldn’t latch. It was very painful at times. We thought he had tongue-tie and we had to get specialist support. Most seriously, I wasn’t producing enough milk. The truth is, I kept giving up and we did feed from bottles, especially the first week or two. I absolutely understand and support mothers who do give up altogether. But, for me, I kept thinking what a nurse had told me: ‘It’s a skill you – and baby – have to learn.”
Katy Petty from Coulby Newham became a breastfeeding ambassador last year and has become increasingly passionate about helping other mothers feel confident. She also talks about the challenges of feeding a toddler.
“I became involved with the Mamazing campaign after my second son, Sidney, was born and I’ve found myself advocating breastfeeding to other women. I stopped breastfeeding Jonah after a year but with Sidney, who has been harder, I’ve kept going - he’s 15 months now. It’s different because Sidney can ask to be fed now. It’s a different relationship from a baby. But it’s incredibly bonding in a way that is just as intense as with a newborn.”
Chelsea Dyer of Brotton, stresses the importance of getting the support you need from professionals - but also family. She 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.” As if to prove the point of his supportive role, partner and dad Mark Hunter arrives as Chelsea chats. “I’m proud of Chelsea for taking on her role as a breastfeeding ambassador,” he said.
Erin Ellis of Middlesbrough, also became involved in the campaign last year and is proudly continuing to breastfeed her son, Arnie, as a toddler.
“Arnie will turn three in April and, while, obviously, I do it a lot less than when he was a newborn, I’ve found my body has adjusted naturally to that change. A big benefit for me is it helps with my parenting. It calms him if he’s upset or if a tantrum is on the way and he is a secure, happy child. One thing I don’t care about is any perceived stigma. Basically, the more you do it, the less you care.”
Police officer Lauren Somerville has taken her Breastfeeding Ambassador role to some of the most important places in the whole Tees Valley since the first Mamazing campaign last year.
“These days I’m Chair of the Cleveland Police Federation,” explained Lauren of Redcar who is, in her most important role, mam to Ben. “It’s really the police officer’s union and I’ve brought up the issue of breastfeeding at work as part of the Policewomen’s Network.” Lauren is determined to keep breastfeeding as Ben approaches two 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.”
Cllr Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Culture & Education, said: “The incredible Mamazing campaign has already done so much to promote and normalise breastfeeding for mothers in our area. Being able to read and listen to the experiences of our fantastic ambassadors can give mothers the confidence and knowledge they need to breastfeed themselves. We know how beneficial it is for babies and mothers, which is why it's so important for us to continue to spread the message of support and make a positive difference."
Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Many studies show the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. It's something we have been encouraging in Redcar and Cleveland in recent times, leading to increasing numbers of mothers choosing to breastfeed. It's not always straightforward, so we don't want to question mothers who try unsuccessfully. So, these mothers coming forward to share their story are amazing. Hopefully, they will inspire more new mums, so I would like to thank each and every one of them."
Health benefits of breastfeeding include stronger immunity from illness and infections and for mothers - a reduced risk of breast cancer. It can also add to the intensity of bonding with baby and child and support brain development.
Find much more information about the campaign and Family Hubs in Middlesbrough here: You are Mamazing! | Middlesbrough Family Hubs
Find more information about the campaign and Family Hubs in Redcar and Cleveland here: You are mamazing | Redcar and Cleveland
Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding here: what are the benefits of breastfeeding nhs - Search