A Celebration of Breastfeeding: Rachel's Story

"Breastfeeding isn't always scary or painful."

Breastfeeding isn’t without its challenges, which is why our peer support team exists! We’re passionate about helping mums and babies achieve the feeding journey they want to – and having access to support and information is vital, especially when difficulties arise.

Because we’re here to help, we often see the most challenging aspects of breastfeeding, and hear from mums when they are struggling the most. Sometimes it’s good to hear the other side of the picture, which we don’t hear as much about!.

‘I’m currently on my third breastfeeding journey with my five-month old son. All my babies have been quite similar, they latched on shortly after birth and I experienced very few issues along the way. There has been some initial discomfort, and a few run ins with the dreaded mastitis, which fortunately were nipped (no pun intended) in the bud pretty quickly.’

‘I breastfed my two eldest children for 2 ½ years and on the whole it’s been wonderful, and undoubtedly a phase of my life I’ll look back on with immense fondness. Breastfeeding definitely isn’t always scary or painful, and you can have a really positive experience, especially with the right support!’

Rachel's story reminds us that while every breastfeeding journey is unique, many families have overwhelmingly positive experiences. With the right support, information and encouragement, challenges can often be overcome and families can enjoy the special bond that breastfeeding can bring.

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.