World Breastfeeding Week: Daisy's Story

"Support made all the difference"

World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) is an opportunity to celebrate the many different feeding journeys experienced by families across Tameside and Oldham.

This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," highlights the importance of ensuring every family has access to the support they need in those precious early days.

For Daisy, breastfeeding both of her children brought its own challenges, but also some of her happiest memories. Her first baby was born in August 2021, weighing an impressive 10lb 13oz!

"I really wanted to breastfeed and I'm so happy to say we had the most magical breastfeeding journey for 21 months."

Like many new parents, Daisy experienced difficulties at the beginning.

"He struggled to latch on one side at the beginning but with some help and advice we got through it and it became the easiest thing in the world!"

When her second baby arrived in December 2024, weighing another healthy 10lb+, Daisy found herself facing similar challenges.

But this time, she knew she wasn't alone.

"My second was born in December 2024... I had similar struggles at the beginning with latch on one side. He is now 19 months and still loves the boob, although he only feeds off one side now!"

Looking back, Daisy says the greatest gift breastfeeding gave her wasn't just nourishment for her babies, it was the connection they shared.

"I love breastfeeding and everything about it, especially the magical bond it creates with your baby."

Daisy's story is a reminder that breastfeeding doesn't have to be perfect to be successful. Many families experience challenges in the early days, from latching difficulties to building confidence, and asking for help is part of the journey.

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

At Home-Start HOST, our Infant Feeding Team provides compassionate, evidence-based, free support for families across Tameside and Oldham, whether you're preparing for your baby's arrival, overcoming feeding challenges, expressing milk, combination feeding or simply looking for reassurance.

Working alongside Tameside Family Hubs, and Oldham Best Start Family Hubs, as well as NHS colleagues and community partners, we help ensure parents can access the right support at the right time, so no family has to face those early challenges alone.

Throughout this World Breastfeeding Week, we're sharing real stories from local families to celebrate every feeding journey and highlight the importance of strengthening the support available to parents across our communities.

Whether you're feeding your first baby or your fourth, every journey is unique, and every family deserves support.