A GROUP of local mums have raised in excess of £2,000 to undertake breastfeeding peer support training.

Accredited by the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, the training was delivered by Sharon Breward, infant feeding co-ordinator at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

With increased demand for breastfeeding support in both Gwynedd and Anglesey and a limited budget available from the health board to train additional peer supporters, the mums set to work to raise the money required to fund the training.

Fundraising activities ranged from packing bags in Tesco to selling raffle tickets.

All 12 participants had breastfed for at least six months and received invaluable support at some stage during their breastfeeding journey – either through the health board, peer supporters, family and friends or the Gwynedd and Anglesey Breastfeeding Friends Facebook group, which currently has in excess of 1,400 members.

The peer supporters scheme was introduced in 2010 by the Welsh Government and the course consists of 30 hours of training and focuses on the role of mother supporter, communication skills, and the health benefits of breastfeeding as well as practical support such as positioning a baby for breastfeeding.

Ms Breward said: “Breastfeeding rates improve when maternity care is good, community support is in place and there are clear pathways to help mothers who are experiencing difficulties.

“Breastfeeding peer supporters make such as difference because they are women from the local community who have breastfed their own babies and have the skills to provide mother to mother support.”

Jenny Jones from Aberdaron added: “Whilst it was tough juggling the fundraising, fulfilling the course requirements and childcare, the course was fantastic.

“I am really looking forward to putting what I have learnt to practice and supporting other mums at local breastfeeding groups and contributing to the Facebook group.”

Peer supporters can be found at a number of venues across north Wales, in breastfeeding support groups usually held in the community, maternity wards and antenatal clinics.

For more information about donating and supporting future fundraising activities, email [email protected].

Mums can join the Facebook group by searching Gwynedd and Anglesey Breastfeeding Friends.