Award-winning Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire volunteers are planning a week of free community events to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, following the success of last year's celebrations, which welcomed around 300 parents, babies, children and supporters.
Running 1-7 August, families can enjoy a different event each day at locations across Derbyshire, bringing families together to celebrate their breastfeeding journeys, connect with other parents, and find out about the free infant feeding support and Breastfeeding Peer Supporter training opportunities available in Derbyshire. Whether you're expecting your first baby, currently breastfeeding or feeding your baby breastmilk, have breastfed in the past or want to support someone with their feeding choices, you are invited to join the celebrations.
One of the week's highlights will be a family picnic at Bolsover Castle on Thursday, 6 August. English Heritage is generously providing free entry for those attending the World Breastfeeding event. Families will have the opportunity to meet Breastfeeding Network Peer Supporters, NHS Healthcare Professionals, representatives from Derbyshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices, and Public Health Practitioners within the Start Well Team.
Throughout the week, families will be invited to complete an 'I'm celebrating because…' card, encouraging them to reflect on breastfeeding milestones or personal achievements that are meaningful to them. The cards have become a much-loved feature at Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire events, often sparking thoughtful conversations as families reflect on their experiences. Whether they breastfed for a day, a month or for several years, have overcome challenges, or simply enjoyed breastfeeding, every story is worth celebrating.
“Our skilled and approachable BfN volunteer team supports more Derbyshire mums and families every year. Last year, they supported more than 2,400 families and contributed an amazing 1,875 hours of support in groups alone. Being named the ‘Lots For Tots’ Charity of the Year is a fitting recognition of their commitment, expertise and the difference they make to families across Derbyshire every day,” says Catherine Hine, Breastfeeding Network CEO. “World Breastfeeding Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate families, bring communities together and help even more parents discover the support available to them.”
A full programme of events can be found here: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on (select support group in the drop down section) or https://www.facebook.com/bfnderbyshire/events
Where to find the events:
Celebration at Swarkestone Nursery: Saturday 1st August, 10am-11.30am
Picnic at Ashbourne Recreation Ground: Sunday 2nd August, 10am-11.30am
Celebration at Long Eaton Health Centre: Monday 3rd August, 10am-11.30am
Celebration at Infinite Wellbeing Heanor: Tuesday 4th August, 9.30am-11am
Woodville Children's Centre: Wednesday 5th August, 10am-11.15am
Picnic at Bolsover Castle: Thursday 6th August, 11am-1pm
Picnic at Buxton Pavilion Gardens: Thursday 6th August, 10am-11.30am
Celebration at Hilton Mease Pavilion: Friday 7th August, 10am-11.30am