Baby Cafe lifeline for mum Helen

Helen Hartley, 33, went along to the free sessions at Staincliffe and Healey Children’s Centre when her son Oscar was just a week old. She had considered stopping breast-feeding and was desperately in need of support and advice.

“I was close to giving up. I found it really hard to breast-feed and then I heard about the café so I decided to come along, I’m so glad I did. Over the course of about six weeks I got lots of advice about how to get Oscar to latch on properly and different ways to feed him.”

The café, located on Chestnut Avenue, is run by midwives, health visitors, volunteers and support workers from the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

“You meet so many like-minded people. We share our tips and frustrations about everything! I’ve made some lovely friends and I think we’re really lucky to have this help and support on our doorstep,” added Helen.

Community maternity support worker Fidelma Chapman has helped to run the sessions for four years.

“This café helps people to realise that they aren’t on their own and the community spirit is a key aspect. and I know that this café provides a great support network for the women that come, helping them to breastfeed their babies for longer.”

Parents are welcome to drop in to Batley Baby Cafe on Thursdays from 11am-1pm.