Leeds Bosom Buddies is a breastfeeding support group providing help and information to breastfeeding mums across Leeds, writes Clare Nicol.
Thanks to funding from Leeds City Council Inner West Community Committee, 11 new volunteers have just qualified as peer supporters to help out at the West Leeds groups in Pudsey (Mondays 9.30 – 11am, Wellbeing Centre, Robin Lane) and Bramley (Thursdays 9.30 – 11am, St Peter’s Church, Hough Lane).
Leeds Bosom Buddies has helped over 1,000 women in the past year, some of whom have needed help with the technicalities of breastfeeding but many come for a cuppa and a chat and to make friends and share experiences.
Despite almost three-quarters of parents initiating breastfeeding with their newborns, after 6 weeks the rate has dropped to around 40%.
This indicates a clear need for support in the early weeks after a baby is born. Having a resource such as Bosom Buddies brings people together, helps new mums “find their village” and allows the passage of knowledge through mum-to-mum support.
Currently groups run during the week but we are about to resume a monthly weekend group to allow parents that cannot attend during the week access to support.
The first group is planned for Saturday 2nd June, 10 am-12 noon at The Church of Venerable Bede, Stanningley Road, Bramley and will thereafter take place on the first Saturday of each month.
In addition we will be holding a fundraising event at St Peter’s church, Bramley on 21st July with a nearly-new baby clothes and toys sale, tombola, games for the kids and a cake sale.
Watch this space for more details! We are always on the lookout for fundraising opportunities, if you think you can help we would love to hear from you.
If you’d like to get in touch with us please contact us via Facebook.
