1st August 2025
To mark World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August 2025), the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is shining a light on the important work of its Infant Feeding Team, who support families from pregnancy right through to the early weeks and months after birth.
This year’s theme, ‘Prioritising Breastfeeding: Creating Sustainable Support Systems,’ is all about making sure parents have the ongoing help they need to breastfeed successfully – at home, in hospital, and out in the community. It’s also a reminder that breastfeeding is not only good for babies and mums, but for the environment too.
At the Southern Trust, breastfeeding support is a journey, not a one-off moment. It starts before baby arrives, with antenatal classes and online resources that help parents feel more prepared and confident about feeding choices.
“Starting the conversation early means parents feel more informed and less overwhelmed,” says Michelle O’Hagan, Infant Feeding Lead Midwife.
“We’re here to give parents the tools and reassurance they need from the very beginning.”
That support continues after birth, with infant feeding midwives offering hands-on help at the bedside. Families are also introduced to our Breastfeeding Peer Support volunteer service, who remain a point of contact once families return home.
Ongoing infant feeding support continues in the community and in the family home from our Community Midwives, Health Visiting teams, Breastfeeding Support Groups, online Breastfeeding Café, and the Trust’s out of hours Infant Feeding Helpline.
“Our experienced practitioners are available to listen, support and reassure parents/carers whilst on their feeding journey, whether that’s in person, over the phone, or online,” added Ruth McGowan, Community Infant Feeding Lead.
For parents who require additional support, such as those with premature babies or complex feeding difficulties, the Trust also offers a Specialist Breastfeeding Service and a Breast Pump Loan Scheme.
Wendy Clarke, Head of Midwifery and Baby Friendly Guardian at the Trust, says the work of the Infant Feeding Team plays a big part in helping families get off to the best possible start:
“We know that breastfeeding can be challenging, especially without the right support. That’s why we’re so proud of the work our staff, volunteers and partners do every day to build a strong network of care around families.
“This year’s theme really highlights that all important approach -creating sustainable, wraparound support that puts families first.
“It also links closely to our Trust’s Vision and Strategy 2030, helping children and families Start Well by supporting healthy choices from day one.”
Photo caption: The Southern Trust Infant Feeding team supports families from pregnancy right through to the early weeks and months after birth. (L-R) Karen McKee (Health Visitor), Judith Graham (Infant Feeding Midwife), Michelle O’Hagan (Infant Feeding Lead Midwife), Karolina Haremza (Infant Feeding Midwife), Ruth Magowan (Community Infant Feeding Lead) and front (L-R) Alicia Lappin (Breastfeeding Peer Support Link Worker), Nicola McKnight (Health Visitor) and Rebecca McKibbin (Breastfeeding Peer Support Link Worker).