History of GBSN

Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) is a unique organisation in the UK because it is totally “owned” and run by peer supporters.

The first two groups were set up in September 2002. BIBS was in the Roshni Womens Centre in Barton Street and BAPS was at the Hesters Way Resource Centre, Cheltenham. MOMS in Quedgeley soon followed. These were set up by Elizabeth Mayo, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, with the support of local Health Visitors and midwives, especially Christine Mitchell (HV) and Sally Nutt (midwife).

Other groups quickly followed. Although the groups have a different number of mothers attending each week, each group offers exactly the same things: peer supporter help, lots of sound information about breastfeeding topics to take away, lots of books for free loan, refreshments, toys for older children etc.

It is this consistency that you can be sure of when attending a GBSN group.
Our aims are to enable you to breastfeed your child for as long as you would like to. We do not give directive advice. We work on the principles of sharing information and suggestions and encourage you to take what you want from that.

All GBSN groups have an extensively trained breastfeeding specialist such as NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor or Breastfeeding Network Supporter present to support the Peer Supporters and to help mothers as needed.

Peer Supporters are mothers who have breastfed their own baby and feel that they would like to support new mothers. They have a GBSN training which is focused on listening skills and opportunities for them to tell their own stories. Over 300 Peer Supporters have now been trained in Gloucestershire. We run training courses throughout the year – perhaps you are interested? If so, and you can commit to helping out regularly at a GBSN group for at least 6 months, please contact your local group *link to list of groups*.

The GBSN groups can be busy, they can be quiet, they always offer a relaxed atmosphere which is really good especially in those early days of breastfeeding when out and about, they are a place in which to be listened to, to have a cup of tea made for you, to find sound breastfeeding information and to find like-minded people who are looking forward to supporting you in your breastfeeding journey. Do come along, you will be made very welcome.