National Breastfeeding Week 20th to 26th June - Knitted Boob Relay! (.)(.)

Breastfeeding Network volunteers in Derbyshire will be completing a (virtual) knitted boob relay across the county taking in the locations of their usual drop in groups to let families in Derbyshire that their breastfeeding peer support is still available to them during the Covid-19 crisis.
Volunteers funded by Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, trained and coordinated by the The Breastfeeding Network (UK) run virtual drop in groups Monday to Friday. The groups offer evidence based support, companionship and answer any questions parents may have about feeding their babies during these difficult times. 80% of families tell us they finish breastfeeding before they were ready to, and our peer supporters, who have all breastfed their own babies support all mums and families to make their own informed decisions, providing empathetic, non-judgemental support.
On the 19th March the first virtual drop in group in Derbyshire was hosted by the Ilkeston based Cradles team, Breastmates in High Peak and Dale followed and very quickly virtual drop in groups were available to Derbyshire mums, Monday to Friday including an evening session.
Groups have responded to this challenge with agility, speed and creativity. There have been videos to raise awareness, a series of Facebook lives covering a range of topics including maternal mental health, weaning, breastfeeding in a sling to name but a few.
During National Breastfeeding Week 20th to 26th June volunteers will relay their knitted boobs across the county, cycling, running and walking the equivalent route of 170 miles to raise awareness of the virtual groups. Just as partners have an important role in supporting a breastfeeding parent, the partners of volunteers will be making their contribution and completing legs of the journey with knitted boobs attached! Where geography and social distancing allow actual relays will take place across the week.
Our groups are:
Breastmates - High Peak and Dale (inc Glossop, Buxton, New Mills, Matlock)
B.E.A.R.S Breastfeeding Support across Amber Valley
Feeding Together - Breastfeeding Support • Bolsover
Chesterfield Breastfeeding Support
Long Eaton Breastfeeding Support
Cradles Breastfeeding Group, Ilkeston
Melbourne Breastfeeding Group
South Derbyshire Breastfeeding Brunches
Ashbourne Mum2Mum
Dronfield M.U.M.S Breastfeeding Support Group
Windmill Playgroup Derby - Boulton Moor

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