LATEST NEWS:

GBSN Pregnancy and Baby Fair – 22nd June 2013

Real Nappy Project Visits to GBSN Groups

Gloucestershire Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme Launched!

A charity providing support groups for breastfeeding mums, run by breastfeeding mums.

The Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) began in 2002 with our first two support groups in Cheltenham. Gaining charity status in 2007, we now have 7 GBSN groups throughout Gloucestershire, in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Stroud, Dursley, Churchdown and Tewkesbury. These groups all run weekly, offering information and support to women who would like to breastfeed or are already breastfeeding.

The GBSN philosophy is that:

• we offer mothers from our county the same high quality of breastfeeding help and support wherever they seek it.
• we ensure that each group offers that same standard of care.
• we support each other and uphold our philosophy.

All of our groups are run by peer supporters, who are trained to listen and respond sensitively. We also have a Breastfeeding Specialist Worker on hand at each group, as well as a wealth of books and DVDs for you to borrow free-of-charge.

If you would like to drop into one of our groups for some one-off information, you will be made to feel very welcome. Alternatively, for on-going support, make a note of your nearest group and come along weekly.

Having breastfed my three children, I understand how important it is to receive good ongoing breastfeeding support and information. GBSN’s groups provide just that, coupled with a relaxed, welcoming setting. This resource is a big asset to families in Gloucestershire. Sharron Davies, MBE.

The GBSN gave me the support and information that I needed to exclusively breastfeed my son to 6 months and continue to feed him until he was 13 months old. I strongly believe that without the support network, we would have failed in the early days as we both had problems with ‘technique’ and I had little confidence in my post-natal condition. The network has also given me the invaluable opportunity to support other mothers through training to become a Peer Supporter. This role continues to form an important part of my life and I hope that the network can continue to offer such an excellent value for money service to mothers and ultimately the wider community. Kate, Dursley.

For further information on any of the groups, please contact info@gbsn.org.uk.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

We receive no funding from the health service to help us carry out our valuable work.
Please get involved with our ‘Save Our Support Groups’ campaign. And for ideas on how to help raise much needed funds please visit our Fundraising section.

Image – thanks to Charlotte Keating Nursing – http://nursing.charlottekeating.com