There are currently 124 supporters and 23 trainees in County Durham and Darlington and all were invited to a celebration at Spennymoor Leadership Centre.
In County Durham, a little over half (58 per cent) of all mothers start breastfeeding but by the time their baby is six to eight-weeks-old, half of these new mums tend to give up, so mothers who have themselves breastfed are on hand to offer advice and support.
County Durham peer supporters also complete a recognised training programme during which they learn about breastfeeding, how it works and how to recognise and overcome potential barriers to successful breastfeeding.
Peer supporters offer breastfeeding information and support in a variety of settings, such as antenatal sessions; on postnatal wards; at clinics and at breastfeeding cafés.
Lucy Hovvels, Cabinet member for adult and health services with Durham County Council, said: “We are delighted at how many local mums are volunteering their time to support other breastfeeding mums in their area.
“We have several initiatives taking place across the county to support breastfeeding mothers and the peer support programme is a very valuable service.”
Thanks to initiatives such as this, there has been an increase in breastfeeding statistics year on year; however rates in County Durham are still lower than the regional and national averages.
For more information about the Support Programme parents should contact their health visitor.
