Celebrating breastfeeding support: a Wirral mum’s story
Koala are honestly so amazing, I could cry when I think about how much they’ve helped me.
This mum attends breastfeeding support sessions run by Koala North West with her baby and says the support has made a huge difference.
She didn’t breastfeed her first child who was born during the height of lockdown.
It was such a stressful time, there was just nothing being offered. No support. It felt really isolating.
With her second baby, things were different but still challenging.
There was a lot of anxiety, we had formula ready, just in case. But this time, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
Koala North West Family Hub supports families with children aged 0–19 (up to 25 with SEND), offering services including early years support, breastfeeding peer support, SEND services, family support, and sleep support. Their breastfeeding support is commissioned by Wirral Council’s Public Health team.
She’s been attending Koala sessions for ongoing support, especially now, as she’s trying to figure out what’s next.
I feel a bit stuck in a rut at the moment, and I’m here to get help with moving to the next stage.
One of the things that’s made a big difference is the chance to try out a breast pump.
They gave me one to test before buying an expensive one, and it’s really helping. It means I can start getting out a bit more, let other people feed the baby with a bottle, and maybe do little things for myself, like getting my hair done!
What’s helped most, she says, is connecting with other mums going through the same thing:
Sometimes it feels like you’re the only person in the world doing this. But finding other mums, talking to them, even just seeing them, it helps so much.
She’s attended several sessions, but it’s the phone calls with Koala that have been a real lifeline.
Some of those phone calls have genuinely saved my mental health.
Every single person I’ve spoken to just gets it. It’s like they’re in my head, they know exactly how I feel. I really wish I’d had this kind of support the first time around.
Local breastfeeding support in Wirral
If you're looking for friendly, free breastfeeding support in Wirral, Koala North West offers weekly drop-in sessions at your local Family Hubs and community spaces. These groups are led by trained peer supporters and are open to all parents, whether you're expecting, just starting out, or continuing your breastfeeding journey.
Summer breastfeeding support groups:
- Monday, 10am – 12pm – Seacombe Family Hub, CH44 7AN (Sessions on 14th July, 28th July, and 11th August only)
- Monday, 12pm – 2pm – Cub and Calf Family Hub, West Kirby, CH48 4HA
- Tuesday, 12pm – 2pm – St Mary’s Upton, CH49 6JZ
- Wednesday, 10am – 12pm – Bromborough Family Hub, CH62 7BW
- Thursday, 9:30am – 11:30am – Koala North West Family Hub, CH42 9PH (Stay and Play)
These sessions offer a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other local parents.
Please note that the sessions have been adjusted for the summer, to check dates and times and for more information contact Koala North West:
Phone: 0151 608 8288
Email: admin@koalanw.co.uk
Website: koalanw.co.uk
Support is also available via phone, home visits, and online. Whether you're preparing for birth or navigating the early days of feeding, Koala North West is here to help.
