Call to reconsider changing breastfeeding contract

A councillor has tabled a motion asking for Shropshire Council to reconsider a decision not to renew the contract for a breastfeeding support group.

Announcing the news last month, Breastfeeding Network Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (BfN) said it was ‘deeply shocked, disappointed and saddened’ by the decision.

“Since the service started in 2021, we have supported over 750 families with our community groups in Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry, along with attending events across Shropshire,” read a post on its Facebook page.

“We have held space for families facing challenges with their feeding journey and navigating parenthood, and celebrated with families as they achieved milestones and feeding goals. We strived to provide evidenced-based information and research to empower families to feel confident with their decisions.

“Over the past few years, Shropshire has generated so much positive feedback from parents and families and also from local partners. The strong reputation of the service built from the dedication and skills of local volunteers is something the charity is very proud of and will leave a lasting legacy.”

Shropshire Council says it will continue to fund breastfeeding support through a new community development contract led by Oswestry Community Action (QUBE), adding that BfN declined to continue working with the authority.

However, Councillor Olly Rose wants Shropshire Council to reconsider its decision and is asking Oswestry Town Council to support her bid at its meeting this Wednesday (February 12).

“Shropshire has a higher than average initial breastfeeding rate at birth but by six to eight weeks it has dropped to 30%, which is 10% less than the national average,” said Cllr Rose.

“Many people have benefitted from the Breastfeeding Network’s face-to-face support to help with feeding issues which can mean the difference between
being able to continue or not.

“The network uses trained volunteers who have breastfed themselves so it is hard to imagine who can replace the service.”

The Telford and Wrekin project that BfN provide will remain unaffected.