Strathfoyle Women's Activity Group hosts first ever breastfeeding support group in the area

Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group (SWAG) has hosted the first ever breastfeeding support group in the area - La Leche League Maiden City.

Established by Dr Noella Gormley, who recently qualified as an accredited La Leche League of Ireland leader, the group will meet on the third Tuesday of every month.

The sessions will be held from 10.30am to 11.30am in 34, Bawnmore Place in Strathfoyle and Gemma Doherty, SWAG’s deputy childcare co-ordinator/early support co-ordinator said everyone was welcome to come along for “free breastfeeding information, a cup of tea and a friendly chat”.

Speaking to The Derry News, Gemma said SWAG had always known there was a demand for breastfeeding support within Strathfoyle.

“We were constantly getting this feedback from the mammys from Strathfoyle and the surrounding rural areas who were attending our childcare activities,” she added.

“They were telling us they wanted to try breastfeeding but felt there was not enough support out there at the minute to enable them to do it successfully.

“Breastfeeding can be challenging but it is also very rewarding, so SWAG decided to provide a space where women who were interested in breastfeeding would feel welcome and comfortable to come along to and get a bit of peer support from other mammys who have gone through the same journey. 

“We knew there was quite a need out there for a breastfeeding support group like La Leche League Maiden City, so when Noella contacted SWAG because she was hoping to set up a breastfeeding support group within Strathfoyle, we were one hundred percent behind her.

“I think it is fantastic for everybody in Strathfoyle we now have the group up and running,” said Gemma.

“The turnout today was a lot bigger than we were expecting initially and it just goes to show the need for a support group existed. It is great, also, to be able to offer it to mammys from the surrounding rural areas as well,” added a clearly delighted Gemma. 

“I would encourage everyone to come along. La Leche League Maiden City is open to everyone, including grandparents, who want to come along and give support to the mammy who is going to be starting out on that breastfeeding journey too,” she said.

Mum-to-be Erin McGlinchey, from Strathfoyle, was one of the women who came along to the inaugural session.

“I am expecting my first baby in three weeks. I came along to the group today because I plan to breastfeed from the start but I have no-one in the family or I know of with very much experience of it,” said Erin.

“My friend is the only one who has been sort of helping me out. It was lovely to see a wee group being stared in Strathfoyle and to be able to meet other mammys and get a wee bit of support before the baby comes. 

“I think I will definitely give breastfeeding a try, especially with the support that’s here and being able to ask questions because before I felt a wee bit overwhelmed with all the information that was online. So, being able to ask questions directly to one person, Noella, I think that will help.

“I am going to give breastfeeding a go. The La Leche League Maiden City meeting room is a lovely, cosy, warm environment to sit in. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, especially as I am a wee bit younger than the other mammys, which can also be a bit overwhelming for me. 

“It was nice to sit and be able to interact with other people. I would encourage other mums to come along, definitely, if you are pregnant, come along from the start if you are thinking about breastfeeding. It was great that before I had the baby, I was to come. It is great it is here in the community and I don’t have to go far,” smiled Erin.

La Leche League Maiden City leader Dr Noella Gormley, was also delighted with the turnout.

“It was brilliant to have such a range of mammy’s here as well. We had a pregnant mammy. We had somebody whose baby was about 15 weeks, and then we had a couple who were just finishing their breastfeeding journey,” she said. 

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“It is nice to chat with other mums. That is the big thing for La Leche League, it is mother-to-mother support,” said Noella. It is not  about the information I provide, it is about what the other mothers have to say and any wee tips they can share about their journeys and their experiences. They will have knowledge about other local support as well,” added Noella. 

“It is about peer support and supporting each other and making those friendships with mothers who are going through the same experiences as you regarding breast feeding because obviously we have the lowest numbers here in Derry, throughout  the North West of Ireland and certainly in the world. 

“Breastfeeding can look different for everybody and the benefits for babies and mums have been well documented.

“The longer you feed your child, the more you reduce your risk of cancer. For each 12 months you feed your baby, you are reducing your risk of cancer by about 4.3%. In addition, continuing to feed your baby later on in life, helps support their immune system and neurological development.

“Breastfeeding is also about emotional growth and development and it can make life easier. It can be the answer to everything and anything. It is not just about the benefits in terms of nutrition.”