Derby Family Hubs marked the start of World Breastfeeding Week by hosting the big screen premiere of a series of films to support and celebrate breastfeeding.
The short films feature Derby families talking about their experiences of breastfeeding and the support available to them from local Family Hubs and Derbyshire health services. They have been co-produced with families and Lo and Behold Films to promote and raise awareness of the Start for Life Campaign.
An invited audience including Derby city families, Family Hub and health staff attended the first screening of the films at the QUAD cinema in Derby.
Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:
Breast-milk is tailor-made for your baby and there is a lot of evidence about its benefits for both mum and baby. However, breastfeeding is also a skill that can take some time to achieve, and in Derby we’re developing various ways to support women to make sure that all mums who want to breastfeed can do so, for as long as they wish, and wherever they need to.
The launch of these fantastic films is the perfect start to World Breastfeeding Week. The films will be permanently available to watch online, for all women and families who want to find out more about breastfeeding and how we can support them in their choice to breastfeed.
Mums can get support with breastfeeding through Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s Infant Feeding team and at Derby’s Family Hubs and Children’s Centres. The Infant Feeding Team hold friendly face-to-face breastfeeding clubs where you can meet other parents and get professional advice.
Kate McCormack, who attended the screening with her baby Madeline, aged four months, said:
The breastfeeding club is a lifeline. It’s an amazing community to be part of and see so many people from different walks of life doing one thing that matters to us, and seeing the product of all that work in all our lovely babies.
Local businesses which have signed up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme also feature in one of the films. Since its launch earlier this year, 45 public places and businesses have signed up to the scheme, which is designed to make parents feel more confident about feeding their baby when out and about.
New sign ups include Five Guys in Derbion, Derby Arena, Derby Theatre and Milk and Honey in Sadlergate. All venues receive window stickers and a certificate to proudly display to customers that they are part of the scheme.
Thrivemind CIC in Iron Gate is one of the places featured in the Breastfeeding Welcome Here film. Co-Director Liz Le Drew said:
From my perspective as someone running a local community organisation, I think this campaign is excellent. If new parents are not made to feel welcome, the message is that they have to cope alone with the challenges of parenting, or perpetuate their isolation by buying their way out of situations which could be dealt with by support or some simple compassion from the community.
Families can view all the films on the Derby City Council website, along with further information about breastfeeding support and details about how to sign up to the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.