Steph and Emilia’s story
Steph and Emilia’s Story
The start of Steph’s journey
Halton Infant Feeding Team contacted Steph once she was home from hospital to check in on how feeding was going and offer support. Steph welcomed the support, and members of team visited her and baby Emilia in those early days, and subsequently a number of times during the first few months.
Steph and Emilia faced a number of challenges with breastfeeding, for which they received support from the Infant Feeding Team. Due to complex issues with ongoing pain, Steph also accessed specialist support from the Infant Feeding Specialist Lead.
Overcoming the challenges
Whilst this journey had many challenges, the commitment and determination of Steph and the support from all partners within the Infant Feeding service resulted in an outcome that Steph had always hoped for - Emilia was exclusively breastfeeding.
“Thanks to all your support, finally, at 9 months old, all top ups are gone, and she is officially exclusively breast fed! It’s been a hard slog, but I absolutely couldn’t have done it without all your help. I think I saw/spoke to the whole team! Here she is… Still dinky, but following her centile line lovely now.”
Keeping in touch
Some of the options that Steph was able to benefit from was measurement of and temporary use of nipple shields, and also fitting and loan of a breast pump. Throughout her time using these aids Steph kept in touch with the team and was supported both over the phone and face to face.
The strong relationship that Steph had with the professionals supporting her encouraged her to also attend community events run by the Infant Feeding Service and Family Hubs, such as the Breastfeeding Awareness Week Event. She also attended the Introducing Solid Foods workshops when Emilia was approaching 6 months old, and continued with support from the service up to and beyond Emilia reaching 9 months old.
The support available from all partners with the Halton Infant Feeding Service has no time limits, which meant that the support continued for as long as Steph needed it. Whether someone needs support for one day or one year, the partnership approach enables parents to get the appropriate feeding support they need, when they need it, and for as long as needed.
Steph had her second baby in the autumn of 2022 – a little girl called Emilia.
Case Studies
More stories will appear here over the coming weeks.
