This year’s World Wellbeing Week focuses on the theme of “Connection, Sharing, and Community” – a perfect reflection of our peer support services and volunteers here at the Breastfeeding Network.
Long-term volunteer Ginny Dupont kindly shared her story with us – from her experience as a breastfeeding mum to becoming a dedicated peer supporter and service manager. Last year, she celebrated an amazing milestone: 10 years volunteering with the Breastfeeding Network. Ginny also manages our services across South and East Hampshire, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight.
Ginny’s Story
My son was born in September 2013, and from the start, I really struggled with breastfeeding. After 2 weeks I went along to a local peer support group led by an ABM volunteer. They were so welcoming, and without their support I wouldn’t have been able to continue breastfeeding my son for as long as I did.
When a BfN training opportunity came up in May 2014, I was encouraged to apply. I’ve been a volunteer with the Breastfeeding Network in South and East Hampshire and a part of the peer support community ever since!
Last year, I celebrated 10 years of volunteering for the BfN. In that time, I’ve volunteered in numerous community groups, on the maternity ward at the local hospital, online during the pandemic, and at walking groups. I still have close friends from that Helper training course and have made many more within BfN since. Doing the training also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills, and as a result, I have also been able to work for this fabulous charity for over 10 years too.
There have been many highlights during my time volunteering. I remember speaking to a couple antenatally while breastfeeding my 18-month-old. The mum later fed back to me that seeing me do that had given her confidence to continue feeding her baby after they turned one. She hadn’t considered doing this before, and it felt like this really highlighted the value of peer support!
We often hear that even in the most difficult times, our groups are the one thing that parents make sure they leave the house for, knowing they will see a friendly face and have access to a listening ear. Being a parent can be tough, and I think it’s so important that we are there not only for practical support with infant feeding but emotional support too – helping to support the parents’ mental health. I love it that many mums we’ve supported go on to become BfN peer support volunteers themselves.
If I had one wish, it would be that every family were aware of the support BfN offers and popped along to our groups antenatally helping them to feel confident in accessing support once the baby is here, if the need arises.
Over my time with BfN, I’ve seen a few changes. But one thing that has remained the same is the ethos of BfN and the determination of everyone who works and volunteers within it to support the families on the ground to have the breastfeeding journey that they want.
I’m looking forward to continuing to volunteer for many years to come!
You can find information on our local breastfeeding peer support services here.
Our National Breastfeeding Helpline is also here to support you every day of the year – 24/7 on 0300 100 0212. We now also have 24-hour social media support available via direct message on Facebook and Instagram.
Our Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service is available every day of the year to provide support and information regarding medication and breastfeeding.