Breastfeeding Awareness Week (BFAW)

Here are a few events organised for the week of 20th June which is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. (At least, it is in Wales - in England it's deemed a waste of precious cash & so it's been cancelled!! Very short-sighted, and the subject of a petition set up by Lisa Lactivist, as well as a Campaign by Baby Milk Action.)
Latest news - the petition is being shared by Bounty!!
Further news - BFAW now heavily supported by RCM & Mothercare instead.



This listing has been drawn up from several sources, but it's not definitive, I'm sure - please feel free to add more, or to correct what I post (either in a comment below, or on the Flintshire Facebook page).

A general note, before the events:
Peer Supporter, Sara Evans, has been in touch with all North Wales MP's, AM's, MEP's to ask them to sign their High Street offices up to the BF welcome scheme as a symbolic gesture to show their support for new mothers and babies - some have already responded very supportively!
Just one example of the amazing work that is being done by mother-to-mother volunteers.



Picnic in Conwy - Saturday 18th June
sharing from the Conwy group: 

First of all, the week will begin with a family picnic in the park...
Taking place at Bodlondeb Park, Conwy from 12.30am.
See the facebook page here  (https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193673077347410)
I hear it went well & the weather was perfect!

Peer Supporters' Meeting - All North Wales Regions
Monday 20th June
The first Gathering of Breastfeeding Peer Supporters (also co-ordinators & community midwives) from across all the areas of North Wales.  We will meet in Rhyl and spend the day networking, learning from each other's experiences, and hearing presentations from speakers. Sharon Breward (LC), and others will present workshops on various topics.

More info available in a doc on Conwy BFF group, where Siona revealed the venue will be the community centre at Rhyl Firestation! I'm sure we'll all be far too busy to ogle at Firemen, or their calendars (http://dave6.posterous.com/fw-2011-naked-fireman-calendar).

Sadly, numbers are going to be limited by the space & lack of childcare (tiny budget as always, here) - but we hope the next such event will be more child-friendly. If you are bringing a baby on June 20th, babes in arms/slings will be OK but they should be non-mobile.  (Insurance at the venue is the restriction, apparently.)

There will be a few items from Lactivist for sale (at a discount price for PS).

The event will be opened by the A.M. Ann Jones!!





Walk at Loggerheads - Monday 20th June
Ma's Bar, Mold's Breastfeeding Support group are hoping to repeat last year's very enjoyable walk in Loggerheads Park.  Last year the Caffi Florence obliged with cupcakes decorated as very tasteful boob-cakes (pink icing & strawberries, in case you are after tips) - and Sarah's just confirmed that they will do so again this year. Walkers will meet outside the cafe at 11 am.
Ideal for those who'd like a short stride out with dogs. The walk is even more pram-friendly now, but if you're babywearing maybe you'd like to walk the longer routes. Facebook event page for this walk.


Broughton Shopping Park

The Health Visitors, Midwives & other maternity support staff are sending delegates to a large Retail Park nearby (Broughton) where they will be talking with Parents & Grannies, answering questions, aswell as handing out BFAW freebies, leaflets etc.  They have attended before and always make a point of discussing the issue of BF in public with the cafes on site.


Mothercare: Sealand Rd.
You may have heard recently of the actions of the RCM & Mothercare to reinstate the cancelled BF awareness week.  Peer Supporters from Flintshire are going to be hanging out in Mothercare near Chester during BFAW week (various times). Midwifery staff from Chester are also attending.  Hoping to meet lots of parents-to-be.


Wrexham district
In Wrexham, the Peer Supporters are focussing on their groups (including the newest addition, at Caia Park) - they have arranged for a series of adverts on Heart FM throughout this week and next - promoting the groups, BF, and Peer Support.  They hope this will boost attendance & community awareness.


Walk at Alyn Waters Park, Gwersyllt - Thursday 23rd June, 10am-12 noon
The NCT have a regular walk named Prams in the Park, and they are happy to have a joint do for this week (it is usually open to anyone, actually). The Peer Supporters from both Flintshire & Wrexham should find this a convenient spot. Page about Alyn Waters: here.
Again, this park is a lovely spot for a walk with or without a pram/ toddlers.  It's also blessed with a cafe, so even if the weather is poor, do still come along for a natter!
Facebook event page for this walk.


Birkenhead Flash Mob - Saturday 25th June
More details on the Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=123225224423835

A dance routine is being practised!  Organised by the BF support workers in Wirral's HomeStart.
Turn up & cheer them on!!
Birkenhead, in the square outside House of Frasier, Saturday 11am.
(Press report here: Wirral Globe )


Snowdon Trip Saturday 25th June
sharing from the Gwynedd group: 
All Aboard the Breastfeeding Express!!
To celebrate National BF Week we are hoping to have a trip up Snowdon on the train, with as many BF mums, babies and supporters as possible and a press photo at the summit. This has been very popular - there have been enough people booked on to charter a train - the aim now is to fill it!


The train leaves Llanberis at 1pm on Saturday 25 June. As this is a group booking, please DO NOT buy your tickets online / individually. You will need to bring cash on the day and we will pay for the tickets together at that point.
Adult £17
Child £13 (age 4 – 15)
We need 54 paying travellers (adults or children) to charter our own train, and we need to confirm this number with the railway by 1 June.

To give plenty of time to purchase the tickets, take photos etc. we need to meet at the train station at 12pm midday on Saturday 25 June.

More information about the journey, how to get to the station, parking, etc. can be found here:
www.snowdonrailway.co.uk but please especially take note of the following:
  • Children - A child is classed as between the ages of 4 and 15. Children aged 3 years and under may travel free of charge as long as they sit on an adult's knee and do not occupy a seat.
  • Can I take a rucksack, pushchair or bike onto the train? - Snowdon Mountain Railway regrets that due to lack of space it is not practical to carry large, bulky items. Pushchairs may be left, at the owner’s own risk, at Llanberis station with the platform staff for collection on return.
  • Are there toilets on the mountain? - There are toilet facilities at the Llanberis Station and Hafod Eryri at the summit of Snowdon. Please note there are no toilets or other facilities at Clogwyn or elsewhere on the mountain.

We are advised to bring slings, backpacks & toddler harnesses as there are steep drops and children need to be secured. Sound like a great opportunity to learn more about Babywearing, and see lots of slings in action!
Each baby or toddler (3 and under) must have an accompanying adult.
Also make sure you bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear as it can be cold and windy at the summit. Only a few weeks ago, there was snowfall at the summit!!

If you plan to come, please add your name to the doc titled ‘Snowdon Trip’ at the Gwynedd and Anglesey Breastfeeding Peer Supporters Facebook page.
Do not pay online, you need to pay on the day to get group discount. You are welcome to invite other BF mums and their supporters. Adult tickets are usually £25 so it is a good price and should be great fun on the day.

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