Today saw the launch of Get Closer, a scheme designed to increase breastfeeding rates in St Helens.
The main focus of this campaign is on three little booklets, designed in the style of women’s magazines (you know, like “Closer”) and talking about breastfeeding in a matter of fact, normal way.
I am delighted to say that me, K and some other Mums who attend the Breastfeeding Group at Whiston on Fridays did actually have some input into these booklets. We took a look at the booklets that had been produced for Halton and made some corrections.
At the time, dh and I had certainly not been seeing eye to eye and I think the majority of suggestions I made were around the booklet intended with dh/dp in mind; namely helping out with the housework more often! 
And they had been added! I was most pleased!
Everyone who was anyone to do with breastfeeding in St Helens was there (including N, who gave a last-minute presentation to the group as her boss was unable to attend, R – the BFC from Fridays, K – of course, A – who is training to be a Peer Supporter with me and K, C – the HV who takes our Peer Supporter classes, and many many more).
One thing frightened me a little bit though.
We played a game based loosely on “Who wants to be a millionaire?” in which we voted on multiple choice questions about breastfeeding.
One of the questions was, “what must a breastfeeding woman eat?”
The three answers were (along the lines of):
A) Lots of chocolate
B) A healthy diet with lots of meat and vegetables
C) A normal diet
Although the majority of people voted for (C), there were ten people who said (B). Ten people. In a room full of HCPs, breastfeeding volunteers and other support workers.
I do wish the answer was actually (A) though!
However, apart from that little shocker, I thought it went quite well. A woman from – I think – one of the PCTs talked to us about social marketing and all that malarky and I did think (briefly) “I’m on maternity leave you know!” but apart from that it was excellent.
Oh, and a lady called C who is a Peer Supporter from Newton-le-Willows also gave a presentation which had me with a tear in the corner of my eye.
She talked about the struggle in the early days, when friends and family think they are being helpful by suggesting a bottle, how a doctor – really – advised her to give up, how her best help was Amazon and the internet and reading everything she possibly could…
Oh I remember those days so well. Even now, nearly seven months on.
Baby B got on well with everyone and N actually borrowed him for the photo-shoot when the Get Closer! ribbon was cut… bless.
