To mark World Breastfeeding Week (Sunday 1 August to Saturday 7 August) a new mural celebrating breastfeeding is on display at Queen’s Hospital, near our Maternity department. The artwork, which was the idea of midwife, Amy Macatonia (pictured), and designed with the help of her brother, features some of our patients and midwives breastfeeding, alongside information on where to get support.

Breastfeeding provides babies and mums with a range of health benefits. Amy is passionate about supporting mums who want to breastfeed, and this stems partly from her own experience.

Amy, who is pictured breastfeeding her daughter before going to work as a midwife, said: “When I became a mum, I needed support to breastfeed. Even though I am a midwife with a specialist interest in breastfeeding, everyone is different. If I wasn’t a midwife, and I didn’t know that I needed patience and the support of those around me, I wouldn’t have continued breastfeeding.”

Amy believes that more support is needed: “Talking about breastfeeding can be seen as taboo in the UK, sometimes through not wanting to upset those who haven’t breastfed. Some women want to breastfeed; if they haven’t been able to, it isn’t their fault. The support isn’t always available – you need someone who knows what they are doing to show you. Hopefully, over time, we will change the culture.”

“Being part of someone’s maternity journey as a midwife is amazing; however, that journey is not always easy. I have completed additional courses in breastfeeding, as there is so much more we need to know.”

As well help from a midwife and health visitor, there’s also lots of advice available for breastfeeding online or via support groups and helplines – find out more on the NHS Start4Life website.