South Eastern Trust provides support to breastfeeding mums on their return to work journey

By Julie-Ann Spence
Published 28th Jul 2023, 12:30 BST
Updated 28th Jul 2023, 12:30 BST
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To mark World Breastfeeding Awareness Week in August the Health Visiting Service, in partnership with the Health Development Department in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, are supporting staff and mums who are continuing to breastfeed their babies who are returning to work, through the introduction of ‘Return to Work Breastfeeding Packs’.

The packs consist of a cool bag, milk collection bottles, a water bottle and an ice pack allowing mums to express their milk during the day while at work.

Community Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator, Kelly Leonard said: “This year as part of World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we are promoting and supporting those mums who wish to continue their breastfeeding journey when they return to work.

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“We know from research that mums can feel that they can no longer continue to breastfeed on their return to work.

Kelly Leonard, (Community Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator) and Ciara Marley (Health Visitor and Mum). Pic credit: SEHSCTKelly Leonard, (Community Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator) and Ciara Marley (Health Visitor and Mum). Pic credit: SEHSCT
Kelly Leonard, (Community Infant Feeding Co-Ordinator) and Ciara Marley (Health Visitor and Mum). Pic credit: SEHSCT

"As a Trust, we want to ensure that we are providing support through the provision of the packs, so that mums can continue to breastfeed for as long as they wish.”

Health Visitor and mum, Ciara Marley who has recently returned to work after the birth of her second son, highlighted the benefits of the packs and commented: “I returned to work when my son was 11 months old and I was still breastfeeding.

"I was very nervous about coming back, but the support I received from my manager and Health Visiting Team has been brilliant.

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“Being able to breastfeed was very important to me. I can continue my breastfeeding journey thanks to the ‘Return to Work Breastfeeding Pack’ which has made a difference, it is really handy, allowing me the option to express my milk.

"Coming back to work after a year on maternity leave was very daunting. I was very anxious about how I was going to manage to continue to breastfeed, however the transition was smoother than I initially thought.”

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The ‘Return to Work Breastfeeding Pack’ can be obtained by contacting your Health Visitor or Child Health Assistant. If you are a member of staff and live outside the Trust area, please email [email protected] to reserve your pack.

Further information on breastfeeding and support groups in your area is available at: https://setrust.hscni.net/healthy-living/feeding-your-baby/