Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most natural way to feed your baby.
Today’s culture can often make women doubt their ability to provide milk for their baby. Widespread use of infant formula also creates a belief that formula is as good as breast milk, but this is not true.
Breast milk is unique for each baby. It contains important protective and developmental ingredients that change to meet the growing needs of the baby.
Infant formulas are nutritionally balanced for babies, but they do not contain any of these ingredients.
For some mothers, breastfeeding is natural and easy, but for others it can be a challenge. It takes time, patience and support to get it right. We are here to provide information and support you.
Role of the Infant Feeding Lead
Barbara Spratt is the Infant Feeding Lead for the Trust. Barbara’s role involves:
- training staff in breastfeeding support
- helping women and babies who are experiencing breastfeeding challenges
Barbara is also the lead for maintaining the high standards necessary to retain UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accreditation. These standards support all mothers regardless of their feeding choice.
If you wish to know more about breastfeeding, you can attend a breastfeeding workshop before your baby arrives.
Email: barbara.spratt@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Useful links
- Breastfed Babies website developed by the Public Health Agency
- Download the Off to a good start booklet, which explains why mothers and babies benefit from breastfeeding and how to breastfeed successfully
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
- The Breastfeeding Network
- La Leche League
- National Childbirth Trust
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Breastfeeding peer support
We are a group of mums who have breastfed their babies and are now volunteering to give support to other breastfeeding mums.
We are not health professionals. We have received training on breastfeeding management and attend regular updates.
What we offer
- We can give support over the phone or in person to all mothers who live in the Belfast Trust area.
- We are friendly, approachable and willing to listen.
- We can give information on real life experiences and address concerns about breastfeeding.
- We can advise you on how to contact a health professional.
- We will give you time.
All information we discuss is confidential.
Contact details
- Breastfeeding Coordinator for Peer Support: 077 3894 5080
- Breastfeeding Peer Support Link Worker: 077 3894 5081