ARU hub to support breastfeeding women in Essex
Weekly sessions in Chelmsford to provide information and support for families
Women attending the Breastfeeding Support Hub in Chelmsford, with ARU staff and students
A new weekly hub at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Chelmsford is allowing families to access information, support and expert guidance around breastfeeding.
The two-hour drop-in Breastfeeding Support Hub is being led by registered professionals from ARU’s School of Midwifery and Community Nursing, and is geared towards providing a friendly, supportive environment where new parents can ask questions of ARU experts, enjoy refreshments and potentially meet new friends.
The UK has among the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, with eight out of 10 mothers stopping breastfeeding before they would like to. While research has shown that breastfeeding can have a positive effect on child health, barriers to breastfeeding among new mothers include pain, stigma, return to the workplace and a lack of support.
“We know from research that some women who would like to breastfeed their babies feel unable to do so, whether that is because of physical reasons or societal barriers. We also know that sometimes people don’t feel informed enough to make the decision to breastfeed.
“The Breastfeeding Support Hub is aimed at helping families by offering support, expert information and a friendly environment where they can meet new people and feel comfortable.”
Caroline Smith, Senior Lecturer in Community Nursing at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)“As well as supporting local families, the Breastfeeding Hub will provide an opportunity for health care students to develop their skills under supervision, in supporting mothers to successfully breastfeed their babies. These students are key to improving the future breastfeeding support services for women locally.”
Martina Donaghy, Senior Midwifery Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and a Lactation ConsultantThe Breastfeeding Support Hub meets at 10am-12pm every Friday morning on the ground floor of the Michael Salmon building at ARU’s Chelmsford campus. It is a drop-in session and is free to attend.
For more information visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/health-medicine-and-social-care/midwifery-and-community-health/breastfeeding-support-hub