Breastfeeding mothers in South Tees are being asked to take their chance to star in a campaign encouraging other new mums to feed their babies naturally.
A competition called ‘Mamazing Mams’ has been launched to find 12 breastfeeding mothers in both the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland boroughs, to become Breastfeeding Ambassadors in their own community.
Entrants will be asked about how they feel about breastfeeding and the winners will receive a makeover and photoshoot. New mothers of all ages may enter or be nominated. Supportive dads may also enter and will be celebrated. The ‘ambassadors’ will be at the centre of a breastfeeding information campaign planned for later this year. Entries must be received by Sunday 2 March (links below).
Entries must be received by Sunday 2 March. The competition has already been backed by some passionate new mothers in our region.
Aliya Scarborough, of Guisborough, said:
“I think this is a great idea to help other mothers who may feel anxious about breastfeeding. Feeding your child is a natural thing – but at the same time it isn’t always easy. For me, it’s taken work and support, but it’s definitely been worth it.”
“When I started feeding in public for the first time, it was more my own confidence that was the worry. One day a few of us were at a mini-music group at our local church and an older lady subtly handed my friend a bad that said, ‘well done for breastfeeding in church,’ which made us all feel more comfortable and welcome.”
Eleanor Dodsworth, also of Guisborough, also urged other mums to enter the competition.
She said: “With breastfeeding, you’ve got to be a bit stubborn and determined. If you’re out in public, you just get on with it, whether your baby is hungry or just needs to be soothed. It’s lovely that it’s something that only I can give, but it has been a bit hard at times, which is why I sing about the help I’ve had (from workers at our Family Hubs) and if you’re a new mum, it’s available to you too.”
Middlesbrough mum Bethany said:
"My first baby was born during Covid and I felt very alone and isolated even though people tried to support me over the phone or virtually. With my second baby it’s been so lovely to have the support of professionals but also my friends. Breastfeeding is so rewarding and amazing but it also takes a lot of sticking with, especially in the early days. I love the idea of this campaign and helping breastfeeding mothers to feel seen and empowered."
Sarah Winspear, an Infant Feeding Lead in the South Tees area, explained the benefits of breastfeeding for baby include stronger immunity from illness and infections and reduced risk of breast cancer.
She said: “All our mums are amazing - very much including those who struggle to feed their baby naturally. No-one says it’s all easy, but, if you can breastfeed, the benefits are huge. This is all about the positives of supporting mums – and it’s often much better if advice and support comes from another mother from your own community experiencing the same things rather than from ‘on high’. That’s why we are looking for mums to come forward and enter this competition. We also want to stress that breastfeeding does not mean you stop being glamorous - and what better way to show that than having a makeover? Good luck to all our entrants!”
To enter yourself or to nominate another amazing mother in your life go to Baby and toddler feeding support | Middlesbrough Family Hubs or Infant Feeding Services | Redcar and Cleveland to find an entry form.
Alternatively, drop in to any Family Hub in either Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland to pick up a form or email breastfeedingwelcome@middlesbrough.gov.uk or breastfeedingwelcome@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding here: what are the benefits of breastfeeding nhs - Search