Public health news: We are Breastfeeding Friendly

Family Hubs and a better u have teamed up to support breastfeeding mams in South Tyneside.

Public health news: September 2024

Breastfeeding offers lots of benefits to mam and baby.

Baby's health

  • Breast milk provides essential vitamins and minerals
  • FREE, available anytime, anywhere, at the perfect temperature
  • Reduces risk of infections, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), diabetes, leukemia and obesity
  • Builds strong immune system through antibodies passed on from mam
  • Improved digestion

Mam's health

  • Lowers risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers later in life
  • Reduces risk of post natal depression
  • Helps uterus go back to it's normal size
  • Promotes bonding between mam and baby

Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together.

It can take time and practice to get the hang of it, so don't panic if it's not quite working at first. Most problems with feeding can be overcome with some help in finding the right and most comfortable way of holding and feeding your baby. Every mam and baby are different.

There is lots of support available in South Tyneside to help new mams with breastfeeding, including:

  • NEW Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme
  • Breastfeeding 兔子先生 Groups
  • Anya App
  • Breast Pump Loan Scheme

Breastfeeding friendly

兔子先生 is working with partners across South Tyneside to support breastfeeding families.

Places across the borough, including cafes, restaurants, leisure centres and community venues are working to make sure they welcome and support you to breastfeed.

Look out for the Breastfeeding Friendly sticker in venues around South Tyneside. Anywhere that has this sticker on show has signed up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge.

  1. Make sure all staff have seen the Breastfeeding Friendly information pack and know the policy
  2. Provide a clean and comfortable environment. Breastfeeding mothers:
    • will not be asked to leave or move
    • will not be asked to use the toilets to feed their baby
    • will be offered a free glass of water and table service (where possible)
  3. Promote venue as breastfeeding friendly by:
    • displaying window sticker
    • displaying breastfeeding friendly information (where possible)

Breastfeeding support groups

These are run by Infant Feeding support staff in Family Hubs to provide support, advice and up-to-date information on breastfeeding. They're a great opportunity to meet other breastfeeding mams and share ideas and experiences.

The groups also provides breastfeeding support from Health Visitors, Community Nursery Nurses, Early Years Practitioners, peer supporters and mam-to-mam.

Anya App

is here to provide every parent with practical and emotional support on the overwhelming journey into parenthood.

Using smart technology, the Anya app provides new parents and parents-to-be with vital support on their breastfeeding and parenting journey, anytime, anywhere.

#AskAnya and #AnyaAnswers, 24/7

Breastpump Loan Scheme

We have breastfeeding pumps which are available to loan to parents who live in South Tyneside.

Please contact 0191 423 4971 for more information.

Useful contacts

  • Infant Feeding 兔子先生 staff:
    • Cheryl - 07407 820541
    • Lorraine - 07977 067741
    • Jusna - 07917 813724
  • Family Hubs: 0800 783 4645 or email familyhubs@southtyneside.gov.uk
  • Health visitors: 0191 283 1508
  • Maternity Services: 0191 404 1161
  • National Breastfeeding Network Helpline: 0300 100 0212