To mark Scottish Breastfeeding Week, Depute Leader Louise Roarty visited a breastfeeding group at Orbiston Community Hub, Bellshill.
She heard first-hand from parents and staff about the support available at local breastfeeding groups and the opportunity they provide to meet other parents.
Attending a group us a good way to meet other mums and pick up hints and tips and they also have events throughout the year.
Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but everyone has a role to play in supporting breastfeeding.
Mum Lisa said: “I’m not a social bunny and I didn’t think groups were something for me, and I didn’t know any mums who were the same age.
“Now we meet up, go for coffees – the kids are the same age, and they have their birthday parties together.
“With my breastfeeding support group, we have a group chat for mums where we can support each other. For example, if a mum is having difficulty settling her baby, there’s usually someone on the chat to offer support.
“I would say for myself, especially during that maternity leave period, I would have been lost without the group.
“There are midwives and a health visitor here, and there’s so much support from the other mums, who can give advice on things they have tried. If it doesn’t work for you, then someone will be there to suggest something else to try.
“There are toys here for my daughter to play with and other little friends too, and it’s just a great way to break up the day for us as well.”
For more information, visit: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/infantfeeding/