Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance breastfeeding support group

The Pitch

Problem statement

New parents can feel isolated. The majority of new mothers have perinatal mood and anxiety challenges. Studies show that breastfeeding protects mental health and stopping breastfeeding earlier than planned can increase the risk of depression. However, UNICEF states 4 out of 5 UK women stop breastfeeding before they want to. Mothers list isolation, and lack of information and support as the reasons for stopping. Skilled breastfeeding support is vital to protect and improve mothers’ mental health (and other health outcomes for babies and mothers) and getting support in the early days is vital to overcome challenges. We offer free, skilled breastfeeding support anyone who needs us locally.

Solution

Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance provides free local access to skilled breastfeeding support. Our team of experienced trained breastfeeding counsellors provides free support to mothers and parents, with their babies and family members: - online three days a week by video calls, chats and emails; - and at a weekly face-to-face group in a community centre. We support new parents from the early newborn days and beginning breastfeeding, through to when they want to stop. Last year we supported families from diverse cultures and backgrounds: - Over 500 in person - Over 500 online via video calls or messaging. We are seeking funding to cover the direct costs of providing our services.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Our Trustees are all parents and have experienced the early stresses and vulnerability of feeding their babies. Our team of seven trained Breastfeeding Counsellors who provide our charity's services are skilled, experienced and provide a high level of breastfeeding information and support. Feedback from those accessing our services is clear that we are making a positive difference in the lives of breastfeeding families. As a small charity, we are have a strong local reputation in Cambridge with families and health professionals. We have local volunteers welcoming families. Our feedback form goes to all families, and we use their comments to improve our services and how we provide support.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

1,200 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

The impact we aim to have is that mothers and new parents feel empowered and supported to achieve their goals for breastfeeding. We support new parents from the early newborn days and beginning breastfeeding, through to when they want to stop breastfeeding. Our target is to support more than 1000 families each year in person and online. For mothers who want to breastfeed, skilled, early support for breastfeeding is vital to overcome early challenges. And receiving support to continue breastfeeding is results in improved mental and physical health outcomes for both mothers and babies. We also help families adjust to the challenges of meeting a new baby.We aim to ensure local families have access to skilled free breastfeeding support and information when they need it, so that they can achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Track record

Last year we supported families from diverse cultures and backgrounds: - Over 500 in person - Over 500 online via video calls or messaging. Feedback from those accessing our services is clear that we are making a positive difference in the lives of breastfeeding families. One mother told us: "You have had a huge impact on how I feel as a mother and about myself. At times I felt totally overwhelmed but the support of CBA helped me get there in the end." As a small charity, we are now seen as a key provider of skilled, free breastfeeding support in Cambridge by local families and health professionals.

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