In Practice: Case study - Mums turn breastfeeding trainers

Objectives Breastfeeding helps give children the best start in life. National statistics show more than three-quarters of women start but many give up after a few weeks. In Trafford, ordinary mums are being trained as peer counsellors to support others to continue breastfeeding. "We're not in a breastfeeding culture and many mothers have never seen anyone like their mum or sister breastfeeding," explains Sure Start midwife Rose Corke. "So there's a need to get the message out about how important it is."

What was done Any mum who has successfully breastfed a baby can embark on the La Leche League Peer Counsellor Programme. The free 12-week training can be accessed through all children's centres in Trafford. Once mums have completed the course, they go on to support others at breastfeeding groups also based at children's centres. "The course helps to get alongside mums to encourage them to keep going," says Corke. One of the reasons the groups are so successful is people share real-life experiences and how they got through difficulties. Peer counsellors also attend antenatal clinics and classes as well as GP surgeries to help pregnant or new mothers. They've also been into big stores such as Boots, John Lewis and Mothercare. Trafford ran the first course in autumn 2006 and has trained 55 mums so far.