Account of the conference - 18 October 2014
The Conference was very well received by those who attended. We were delighted that Alison Taylor, Lead Lecturer in Midwifery and PhD Student at Bournemouth University was with us to deliver a fascinating and thought provoking presentation on ‘Women's Breastfeeding Experiences - shared using video diaries’
This was followed by a presentation on the Health & Social Care Volunteering Funded (HSCVF) Breastfeeding Peer Support in Hospital Project, which explained the idea behind the project and shared the very encouraging initial outcomes. If you would like to know more about joining the Hospital Team please email mary@realbabymilk.org
Naomi Hale, a previous Young Mum Peer Support Mentor, Trainee Trainer with Real Baby Milk and herself a neonatal mum gave a presentation on listening to and supporting the Neo-natal mum including some quotes from NNU mums which really touched the audience.
This was followed by Louise Hunt who presented some of her Msc Research findings and facilitated an Ethos and Aims activity where Peer Supporters’ suggestions on developing a clear Aim and Ethos statement for peer support groups were collected. A further consultation on these aims and ethos is taking place via facebook - if you were not able to give your views at the Conference then please respond to the Facebook posts asking for your ideas or click here to email mary@realbabymilk.org
After lunch attendees were able to attend two of a choice of four workshops:
- Sleep – What is a normal sleeping pattern? How can we help?
- Twins – The challenges and how to support.
- Empowering Mums – listening & legislation - we are hoping to post a summary of the Equality Act and how this supports women’s breastfeeding out and about please check the website for updates
- Group Development - including Funding.
There were lots of very positive quotes from the Delegates but these two encapsulate what we were aiming for in delivering this event:
“Excellent speakers, emotional and thought provoking presentations that have made me think about my practice”
“Well organised, very informative, lots to think about. Excellent”
Due to the efforts of a small group of volunteer knitters each Delegate was offered the chance to take home a knitted breast to enable them to demonstrate hand expressing to any mum of need of this very useful and empowering skill! (See picture of our special bunting!)

Helen Shanahan IBLC, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Cornwall, presenting the Sleep Workshop to Delegates - we are hoping to upload a summary of this workshop onto the website and will post when we have done this - so watch out for our posts!
Stephanie Heard, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Cornwall (right) preparing for the Twins Workshop - similarly to above, watch out for our posts to access a summary of this workshop.
Empowering Mums workshop with Louise Hunt and Donna Negus

Group Development with Mary Gosling & Volunteer Beth Lydall - click here to access information on funding for groups

Alison Taylor, Keynote Speaker for the event, delivering her presentation on Women’s Breastfeeding Experiences - shared using Video Diaries
Thanks to all who attended and gave their time and enthusiasm!