What does support mean? When it comes to breastfeeding your baby, the dictionary definition may, or may not be too helpful: Support /səˈpɔːt/ verb 1. bear all or part of the weight of; hold up. 2. give assistance to, especially financially. noun 1. a thing that bears the weight of Continue Reading
6 Visions of Breastfeeding Support for Cinderella
As brand new breastfeeding mothers, we can sometimes feel like Cinderella, sitting lonely in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun, feeling like we have been tasked with the impossible. But just like Cinderella, you are not alone. Even without her mother to care for her, Cinders had others Continue Reading
My Doula Year 2018
I started the year with twins. Sitting in the quiet, dark hours with a mother as she feeds one, and then the other. I hold a baby, pat and settle them both. Whisper reassurance into the gloaming. Christmas lights still twinkle outside the window. I doze on the sofa til daybreak. Next Continue Reading
Birth Trauma: The Emotional Ripple Effects
"At least you have a healthy baby" "It's over now, focus on your lovely baby" "It's horrific isn't it? You'll soon forget the pain and want another baby, LOL" "Chin up, try not to let it get to you" "All that matters is a healthy baby" "Why are you crying?" "You didn't really think you could Continue Reading
Kerching! Doulas, Money and Judgement
I feel I have to finally say something because it's been gnawing at me for a while. When I read and listen to conversations between doulas, when I hear midwives making judgements about doulas charging for their services it makes me sad. Here are some things I want to say: Yes, it's ethical Continue Reading
Dear Fed Is Best…
Today's guest post is by doula and trainee breastfeeding counsellor Becky Young. Trigger warning, contains content about an ill baby. I am honoured to host this story of suffering and prevailing breastfeeding trauma. If you have unresolved feelings of grief around your breastfeeding journey, please Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration? The Lights Go Out in Blackpool
Today's post is from Zoe Walsh, a doula and trainee Breastfeeding Counsellor in Blackpool who is joining us to speak out against the cuts to breastfeeding support during 'Breastfeeding Celebration Week'. If, like us, you feel there really isn't much to celebrate (other than the amazing families who Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration Week? Kent Speaks Out
Today's post is from Anna Le Grange, an IBCLC in Kent who is joining us to speak out against the cuts to breastfeeding support during 'Breastfeeding Celebration Week'. If, like us, you feel there really isn't much to celebrate (other than the amazing families who breastfeed in spite of the lack of Continue Reading
Breastfeeding: What’s to Celebrate in Kent?
This is the first in my series of guest blogs for our alternative Breastfeeding 'Celebration' Week. See my post for the context and an explanation of the week and how we feel about it. In the context of the swathing cuts that infant feeding support has suffered over the last couple of years, we feel Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Celebration Week?
So the Department of Health have, at the eleventh hour decided we WILL be having a Breastfeeding Week this year. Apparently, in the 4th week of June, there will be a series of blogs by Viv Bennett, Chief Nurse and Director of Maternity and Early Years, and...well, that's it. So that appears to be Continue Reading