History
1997
The founder members of BfN were trained volunteer Breastfeeding Supporters working for a UK charity. That organisation accepted money from a manufacturer of powdered baby milk. The founding members resigned in protest - but wanted to be able to go on providing support for breastfeeding women in their local communities and throughout the UK. The Breastfeeding Network was set up, with a constitution which ensures that we remain independent of commercial influence.
1998 January:
The model for the BfN training - a 6 week 'taster' course Breastfeeding Matters, followed by the longer Breastfeeding Matters More course is developed. Trained tutors declare they are willing to start training new Breastfeeding Supporters for BfN.
May:
The BfN leaflet Breastfeeding and Thrush is produced in a photocopied format. October:
Supporterline is launched. Read more on What is Supporterline?
1999 November:
Breastfeeding and Thrush appears in its new printed form, along with the new leaflets, Breastfeeding and Mastitis, and the training and membership leaflets.
During 1999 there were more than 1900 calls to Supporterline!
2000 October:
BfN is invited to send a member to the Baby Friendly Initiative steering group, to help give the perspective of women in this important initiative.
2001 During 2000 more than 4000 calls had been made to Supporterline!
2006 Over 20,000 calls made to Supporteline in 2006 and Training becomes Open College Network Accredited.
2007 10th Birthday Celebrations - WOW what an achievement - 10 years abiding by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and Subsequent Relevant World Health Assembly Resolutions.
Now that you have read about our HISTORY maybe you would like to be part of our FUTURE.
Read the following pages to find out about How to Subscribe, How to Train and How to Make a Donation.