Agenda item

A presentation on the background of Leicester Mammas and the work that they have been doing. The organisation focuses on the First 1001 Critical Days and provides breastfeeding support to families across the city, with a focus on those experiencing any vulnerabilities or living in areas of social deprivation.

Sally Etheridge (Programme Lead – Leicester Mammas) presented on the recent work of Mammas, which has been running for 15 years. The organisation focusses on supporting city families for the first 1001 critical days. There is a focus on those experiencing any vulnerabilities or living in areas of social deprivation. Details of the scope of the work can be found in the agenda pack – but some points noted from the presentation were:-

•           Although there is a focus on breastfeeding, the team support all feeding - and pathways are in place from pregnancy to 2 years.

•           DHSC funding in 2021 enabled the “Starting Well” project in conjunction with Heads Up Leicester (formally Centre For Fun & Families). This additional funding meant the offer to families, including antenatal classes, could be expanded. The project was externally evaluated by Leicester University – with findings including increased self-esteem/confidence and reduced social isolation/mental health concerns.

•           LPT sub-contract Mammas to provide the breastfeeding element of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme (known locally as Healthy Together) via one-to-one or group support sessions. These were allowed to continue through pandemic lockdowns – but Zoom was also utilised for online sessions.

•           Leicester has higher rates than the England average for breastfeeding at six weeks (the NHSE datapoint) but Mammas will soon be collecting tracking data beyond six weeks.

•           The most deprived women are the least likely to establish breastfeeding –and also more likely to have premature babies or other vulnerabilities.

•           There is an information insert in the Red Book (given to all new mums).

•           Referrals come from various sources – and also via two helplines (one of which is for Gujarati and Urdu speakers).

•           WhatsApp is used for groups – and there are over 1200 mothers in the current network. The groups are closed and by invitation only. The participants reflect the demographic make-up of the city.

•           Antenatal courses have been running from Wesley Hall for a number of years, with around 250 parents per year attending; these are currently funded via Better Care Fund (BCF) and ICB monies.

•           Support is offered for as long as the family want – and at the level of the family’s personal preference.

•           Ambassador training can be given to anyone interested, but Peer Supporter volunteers need to have breastfed themselves. 44 women completed the Ambassador course last year.

•           Mammas offer free breast pump loans for as long as required.

•           There are face-to-face meets (at Parks, cafes, swimming pools etc) plus weekly Zoom sessions on a variety of topics such as sleep, bonding, oral health, weaning etc.

•           Some additional BCF funding has been secured which has allowed for additional sessions in South Leicester, New Parks and Thurnby Lodge.

•           The Mammas Baby Project has utilised BCF funds to support pregnant and new families facing adversity, which includes assisting with access to Healthy Start and providing vouchers for formula. Anyone can refer into this service (or parents can self-refer).

•           Mammas was consulted on the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative’s guidance to local authorities on food insecurity for babies - and the guidance includes the Baby Project as an example of best practice.

•           “Rosa” (campaigners for the rights of women/girls) awarded Mammas £7000, which has been used for events and surveys; as a result, there were presentations at various national conferences and The Presenting Officer was part of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infant Feeding.

•           Additional “Children In Need” funding has been used to provide sessions to address mental health (further details are in the agenda pack).

•           The resource developed to support infant feeding during Ramadan is the most viewed/downloaded resource on the Mammas website. 

Comments and questions from the Board:-

•           The Chair thanked the presenting officer and her team - and noted that this is a good example of work that the whole system benefits from.

•           The Director of Public Health commented that Leicester stands out, positively, for having the highest breastfeeding rates in the region. He was concerned, however, that high rates in the North and East can camouflage low rates in the South and West – and asked what the Board could offer to support Mammas in addressing those lower rates. The presenting officer responded that the upcoming Best Start For Life Workforce Pilot will address this through targeted work by the peer supporters placed within Leicester Hospitals. She asked for the Boards assistance in promoting the recruitment of these volunteers.

•           Members noted that the external evaluation highlights the positive impacts of Mammas work on loneliness and social isolation by building human connections. The Presenting Officer responded that Mammas hopes to expand this by getting city venues/cafes to offer warm welcomes by signing up to “Baby Friendly Leicester”. The Chair noted that the City Centre Director, Sarah Harrison, will be a good link for this work.

•           The Member representing UHL commented that Mammas’ work is helping to prevent longer term conditions. She also noted that UHL has more it needs to do to make UHL a Baby Friendly organisation. The Presenting Officer responded that she is already linked in with Midwifery and the Maternity Voices Partnership - but would be happy to hear from UHL Staff.

•           Members asked whether Mammas has the appropriate links to system leads. The Presenting Officer responded that Mammas list of key contacts is frequently being refreshed.

•           Members asked about networks addressing social isolation – and the Presenting Officer responded that the “Blossom and Bloom” project provides perinatal mental health support alongside physical and emotional health. She was aware, however, that partner capacity is an issue (for example within domestic abuse support services) so there is a danger that Mammas can be stretched by supporting beyond their remit.

•           Members asked whether Primary Care refer into Mammas. The Presenting Officer noted that this has been a challenge but, since presenting at a PCN event last year, the service is now receiving referrals from GPs and Social Prescribers. Helen Mather offered to provide a link between Mammas and GPs for the promotion aspect.

RESOLVED:

•           That the Board thanked Officers for the presentation and asked them to take Members comments into account.

•           That the Board will promote Mammas as a service, and also support the recruitment of the hospital peer supporters.