A COMMUNITY group based in Tranent is tackling the stigma of breastfeeding in public by gathering mums from across the county to provide them with information and support.

MotherBaby Together Tranent, based at Home-Start East Lothian, is a peer support programme aiming to train volunteers to support women on their breastfeeding journey, as well as normalising breastfeeding within the community, making “breastfeeding achievable and sustainable for families”.

The project was set up in 2019 and is funded by the Scottish Government by its programme for breastfeeding.

A spokesperson said: “Breastfeeding LENS are a small social enterprise who set this project up and we deliver peer support training to local breastfeeding mums to support other breastfeeding mums and normalise breastfeeding in our community.

“We also run and facilitate local breastfeeding groups online and in person, provide text and telephone support and antenatal information for mothers and fathers to be on how to prepare for breastfeeding a new infant.”

The group hosts breastfeeding support groups at the Early Years Centre at Sandersons Wynd Primary School on Mondays and Tuesdays, between 10am and noon.

On Wednesdays, the group offers a virtual session at the same time.

The spokesperson added: “Training local women as breastfeeding peer supporters is the project’s main aim.

“We want to help local mums and babies using evidence-based information and resources provided by Breastfeeding LENS.

“These women have invested their own time to volunteer and have supported women throughout the pandemic whilst also dealing with their own challenges.

“We are so proud of what we have managed to achieve throughout the pandemic and, now we are back in the community, this is a chance to celebrate that.”

A celebration for Scottish Breastfeeding Week is planned for Wednesday at Cockenzie House and Gardens, with a time to be confirmed.

For more information, text or email 07838 328518 or tra nent@breastfeedinglens.co.uk