Meet Jess: “Learning to breastfeed during lockdown has spurred me on to support other mums”

Like a lot of mum’s who’ve given birth during lockdown and tried to breastfeed, it’s been a real struggle to get to grips with breastfeeding without any in-person support. I’ve had to rely heavily on social media to help me get through those early days of learning to breastfeed. Now, I’m really driven to help support other mum’s in my position by training to be a peer supporter.

I gave birth at the beginning of lockdown

When I was pregnant I wasn’t 100% sure about breastfeeding and was actually quite worried about whether or not I could do it. I even took formula to the hospital to ease my anxiety! But as soon as my son was born I had this natural urge to want to feed him myself.

I gave birth to my son Arthur right at the beginning of lockdown. In the hospital my midwife helped me to position Arthur and showed me how to attach him for feeding. Due the impact of Covid-19 this has been the only support I have received whilst trying to breastfeed during lockdown.

Social media gave me some much-needed support

I’ve had to look at YouTube videos and seek support through social media for breastfeeding help. In the end, this is what saved my breastfeeding journey. Looking back I didn’t learn how to attach Arthur correctly until a few weeks into my journey and this is when the pain of breastfeeding stopped! I’m nearly 7 months into my journey now and feeling so proud of how far my baby and I have come. It’s honestly been my best achievement yet and so worth the perseverance.

I’ve had to look at YouTube videos and seek support through social media for breastfeeding help.

I’m now training to be a peer supporter to help other mums

Going through the challenges I did has spurred me on to support other mums. I’m currently halfway through a training course to become a breastfeeding peer supporter. I hope to support others that feel isolated at home and only have social media to reach out on. I don’t want any mums to have to learn how to breastfeed through YouTube as I did. 

Breastfeeding can be so daunting, lonely, and frustrating – especially during these challenging times. I don’t want new mums to feel like they have to suffer on their own. It is essential mums feel supported even throughout the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, where face-to-face support is basically non-existent. 

I’m hoping once I finish my training I can offer other mum’s support over the phone – even if it’s just a friendly chat to ease their worries and fears. I’ve been where they’ve been and am so passionate about being able to help them achieve their breastfeeding goals.

 I don’t want new mums to feel like they have to suffer on their own.

Jess