Mum4Mum in Motueka

December 16th 2009

New mums in Motueka can now access one-on-one support with breastfeeding thanks to the new Mum4Mum programme.

Five volunteers graduated from the Mum4Mum training course this month and are now available to offer support, encouragement and advice to breastfeeding mothers.

 Three volunteers will also be graduating from the Nelson training course this month and will be available at the beginning of next year.  The service is already available in Marlborough.

Mum4Mum Motueka administrator Phillipa Adams said all the volunteers were mums who have breastfed their own children and understand how hard it can be.

 “We are all passionate about breastfeeding and excited by the idea that we’re able to get out and help other mums,” she said.

 “We’ve all be through it and that’s the beauty of this programme.

 “It’s mothers offering support and help to other mothers.

 “For some of the volunteers, it was really easy, but some had their own struggles so they’ll understand what you are going through and know how to help.”

 Mum4Mum is a free service made possible with funding from the Marlborough District Health Board’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme (NPA).

 The service is available to all breastfeeding mothers and can provide help over the phone, via email or one-on-one.

 “They can call the number for any reason – even just to talk to someone about how they are going,” Mrs Adams said.

 “They might just need some reassurance. Mums know what they’re doing but they might just need some encouragement and reassurance – especially first time mums.

 Nelson Breastfeeding coordinator Marion Van Oeveren said the service was about empowering new mothers.

 “It’s about mums who have successfully breastfed their own babies, supporting other mums and answering their questions and also sharing experiences,” she said.

 “To hear from other mums rather than from a health professional, can make it more personal.

 “This is a real asset.”