The main reason mums stop breastfeeding is due to a lack of support which has had a profound impact on women’s wellbeing during the Pandemic. With the lifting of some restrictions, a Wakefield-based breastfeeding charity is inviting all families to support one another and celebrate all things breastfeeding with a Breast Fest and Yorkshire Day event.
The two events, organised by Families and Babies (FAB) charity, coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, a global celebration of breastfeeding efforts including breastfeeding promotion, support, education, research, progressive trends and normalizing breastfeeding as the gold standard of infant nutrition.
Yet due to a lack of support, funding cuts and health promotion 80 percent of parents start out wanting to breastfeed but 24 percent of those breastfeed for 6 weeks. Especially as health inequalities have become more transparent and breastfeeding helps to give babies optimum nutrition regardless of their background.
FAB’s Sarah Colley said: “The biggest reason given nationally that people stop is due to a lack of support which has been an even bigger challenge for many families during the pandemic. “No parent fails to breastfeed their child. However many have failed through having little or even no access to support in modern society.
“Wakefield Families are very lucky to have Families and Babies (FAB) providing the awesome breastfeeding support that they do.
“We are delighted to show this sign of unity following an extremely challenging period for many families and we can’t wait to have fun, celebrate and signpost people to any support they may need.â€
The charity is based in The Ridings Shopping Centre, providing a safe space for breastfeeding guidance and mums as well as having peer supporters and volunteers who visit people’s homes.
Sarah who has helped organise the new breastfeeding events said: “We have a Yorkshire Day event at Valley Gardens in Pontefract on Sunday 1st August to celebrate Breastfeeding and us Yorkshire folk from 11am- 4pm which is the start of breastfeeding celebration week. Then a Breast Fest event on 5th August at The Hepworth Wakefield Gardens where people are invited to come along and celebrate their breastfeeding journey.
“We will be there 11am-3pm and will be handing out celebration certificates. The cafe will be open for drinks and cake.
“People will need to bring a blanket to sit on and have a picnic if they wish.â€
The grassroots charity is also growing by relocating to a larger venue inside The Ridings, so they will be raising money through raffles and selling merchandise on the day. Or you can donate here: https://gofund.me/af6c38b4
Sarah adds: “Look us up on social media for access to support @fabwakefield or you can complete our online antenatal course www.fabtraining.co.uk usually £15 but free for all Families who pay their council tax to Wakefield, just call us for the discount code.
Please go to: www.familiesandbabies.org.uk for more information.
For more breastfeeding stories, go to: https://mamamei.co.uk and https://www.yorkshirefamilies.co.uk to find an accessible What’s On Guide!
