Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support

Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support is here for all Oxfordshire families during the pandemic.

What does OBS do?

Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support (formerly Oxford Baby Cafes Group) has been supporting families since 2006 via a network of weekly drop-in sessions and on Facebook. In March 2020 we rapidly transformed ourselves into a 100% virtual service. We offer Zoom or phone 1:1 consultations for complex feeding issues, virtual antenatal sessions, a weekly Zoom support group, low-cost loan of breast pumps and a large, popular, closely moderated Facebook group. We work in partnership with a range of other organisations including Family Nurse Partnership, MotherKind maternal mental health support group, Botley Bridges Children's Centre and OXPIP, to provide feeding support to families who might find it more difficult to access it. Our team of 5 specialist facilitators is supported by 20+ trained volunteers who support every aspect of our work.

Why the community needs us

Having a baby during the pandemic is really hard - parents are lonely, under-supported and anxious. During a public health crisis and food insecurity, breastfeeding is more important than ever. When going well, it helps keep babies and mothers healthy and calm, and relieves pressure on the NHS. UK parents have often not been breastfed themselves, or had the opportunity to learn from watching others. The professionals who would usually help - midwives and health visiting staff - are less available than usual. OBS is helping to fill the gap, providing timely, skilled specialist and social support and connecting parents in a virtual community.

Our impact on the community

"A life saver. I can't get through to my GP surgery, I have no idea where the health visitors went, I couldn't break into the hospital to see the feeding team, my community midwife seemed to disappear but OBS were easy to talk to and useful. Really helped me and I think they are invaluable." - Vanessa, service user.

"At 6 weeks post-partum, I was at my lowest, and ready to give up hope of continuing breastfeeding. My partner insisted I sought help. During lockdown, at home, I was able to access 1:1 support from a smiling OBS face. She gave me encouragement that I was doing the right things, along with expert advice, tips and reassurance that it *would* get better. The true value is that nearly 6 months later, I still see that morning's Zoom call as a turning point in our feeding journey. It did get better." - Rebecca, service user.

"The 1:1 support and online group meetings have been so encouraging. It was so nice to receive help, to meet other mothers and to learn from their experiences, and also good to hear that we were not doing everything wrong. The enthusiasm and commitment of the OBS team is really special." - Rosa, service user.

What we will do with your donation

Our main cost is the time of our specialist facilitator team. We have funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to develop our service. Your donation will enable us to continue our core activities in the coming year.

What your gift could provide

£10

pays for a portion of a breast pump to be loaned out to families

£30

pays for a single 1:1 Zoom consultation

£150

pays for a virtual antenatal session

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