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| Copyright: Save Barnet Breastfeeding Support Service |
Barnet mums to protest closure of breastfeeding support service
Local
mums are campaigning to save the award-winning Barnet Breastfeeding
Support Service, which is under threat of closure this April by the
council. They will be protesting at the Hope Corner Community Centre 10:30am - 12:30pm on 18 January.
The
comprehensive breastfeeding support service offers one-to-one support
for mothers at groups in Barnet every day of the week and through home
visits, phone and email support. There is a small team of highly trained
breastfeeding peer supporters who provide emotional and practical help
for new mums.
The
service has helped 1500 mums to breastfeed since it opened in 2014, and
in 2016 it won the NHS Trust’s “Team of the Year” award.
An online petition started by local mum Natalie Wilson has already attracted 1365 signatures https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-barnet-breastfeeding-support-service, with many mums saying they would have given up breastfeeding without the help provided by the service.
What local mums say about the service
“Without their support I would never have been able to breastfeed my premature twins” - Jennifer B.
“Without
this service I would have given up trying to breastfeed. Cutting it
will have a negative effect on breastfeeding rates locally and also a
significant effect on the mental health of new mothers desperately
trying to breastfeed their babies.”- Vivien L.
“This
will be a huge loss to families in the borough and it’s a very
short-sighted decision by Barnet Council. Healthcare professionals do
not have time to support new mothers in the way peer supporters can.
Breastfeeding support is becoming a postcode lottery, and the council
will depriving its residents of this valuable service where mothers in
other boroughs have the opportunity to access support.” - Crystal M.
“Barnet
breastfeeding support helped to diagnose my baby's tongue tie and were
able to visit me at home when I wasn't up to getting out and about yet. A
brilliant and much needed service!”- Ilana W.
The
UK has among the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, and Public
Health England has emphasised the importance of peer support in helping
to raise rates. Unicef UK say the NHS would save millions of pounds if
more babies were breastfed as they get ill less often and are less
likely to visit the GP or go into hospital.
Yet
Barnet Council have said that they are closing the service in order to
save money. They have not said what will replace the service and there
has been no public consultation about the proposed cut. The consultation
on the proposed council budget says there will be no cuts to spending
on public health, which includes breastfeeding.
PROTEST
When: Thursday 18 January 10:30 - 12:30
Where: Hope Corner Community Centre, 185 Mays Lane, EN5 2DY
News coverage:
Hendon and Finchley Times - 29 November 2017
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