Mums have been sharing their stories in a bid to boost the numbers of new Teesside mothers who breastfeed.
Natural feeding has many health benefits for mother and baby, but figures show just 55pc of new mothers in Redcar and Cleveland and 60.6pc in Middlesbrough initiate breastfeeding for their babies, compared to a national rate of 72.6pc. Now, to mark World Breastfeeding Week, the mums are sharing their sometimes emotional stories of struggling to feed naturally – but also the joy it can bring.
They’re among 12 breastfeeding ambassadors in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland chosen to front the ongoing “Mamazing” campaign. Their images have been plastered on posters, buses and media across South Tees.
But for the mothers, it has been interacting with other mams, including those who struggle to breastfeed, that has been the most rewarding experience. These are their stories:
Emma Cooksey, 31, Middlesbrough
Art and design teacher Emma says she’s been heartened by the reaction of the children she teaches to her appearance on campaign billboards.
Mum to 18-month-old Dahlia, she said: “I am alternative-looking, heavily tattooed with piercings, and have been pigeon-holed into not looking maternal enough, whatever that means! Breastfeeding is a lovely, bonding experience.
“It is just you and your baby – it’s beautiful. I’d say to any mum to give it a go – but you do you. YOU know best.
“I’ve been on the massive billboard right on the A66 for the campaign, you couldn’t miss me! I’ve had nice conversations with lots of people but what really pleased me was the reaction from the students. I had some good conversations with girls about it and the boys were really respectful about it, which was brilliant.”
Lauren Somerville, 38, Redcar
New mam to baby Ben, experienced police officer Lauren is a member of the Cleveland Police women’s network at work, which was the driving force to provide breastfeeding rooms in each police station in Cleveland Police.
Single mum Lauren explained: “I have been a police officer since 2009 and my employers were great about it. But the amazing thing has been the support from my colleagues and sergeants. It’s little things like having that special room and knowing other mams have done it and are there for you that can make the difference.
“It shouldn’t have to stop just because a mother is going back to work and it’s up to all of us to ensure every mother has the option to breastfeed as long as they want.
“Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby, but only if it’s possible for you. My mother didn’t breastfeed but was super supportive.
“But being able to breastfeed is like you’re pouring love into them, love that’s within you,” she says. “I actually get emotional about it. I’m 38 now and I didn’t think I was able to have children. Now I can’t even remember who I was before Ben.”
Laura Heathcote, 37, Skelton
Single mum Laura struggled at first to breastfeed her twin boys, Billy and Henry – but says it was worth persevering.
Stressing the importance of the bonding experience breastfeeding can give, she admitted, however, that those first six weeks were “the hardest thing I have done in my life – but also the single most rewarding thing I’ve done.”
Lorna Mulungi, 25, Middlesbrough
Lorna says she’s had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to her role as ambassador – apart from one negative one. She said: “It was a lady saying it was a bit pushy, like saying, ‘you have to breastfeed or else.’ But, honestly, all of us ambassadors have struggled at times. It’s not about that at all. We fully support those mums who struggle or can’t do it at all.”
Lorna explained that she stopped feeding baby Ryan herself for a while before starting again after getting support from her partner, Yassier Ammaru, 30, and professionals at her Family Hub. She said: “When you struggle, you think, ‘what am I doing wrong? Is baby OK?’ You get so anxious. But your body knows you’ve just given birth. Take it easy on yourself. It will be OK.”
Chelsea Dyer, 29, Brotton
Chelsea breastfed all her children – Bethany, nine, Arabella, four, and Darius, one – but with very different experiences. She said: “Bethany was really easy, but it was much harder with Arabella who had sleep apnea and dietary issues – that was a scary time.” Darius has been easier than Arabella, said Chelsea, but she says she still struggled at first. “The first weeks were the hardest, but the benefits are huge, for you as well as baby. There’s no getting cold in the night, making a bottle for one thing – and don’t forget how much less hassle it is.
“It’s been a bit weird, to be honest, being recognised and kind of getting a ‘well done’ just for something that is natural. But if it helps get the word out there, it’s worth it.”
If you are pregnant or have welcomed a new bundle of joy, you can find feeding support here.
