Scottish Breastfeeding Week – Helen’s Story
“The Express Yourself Project is a small gesture that has a big impact. When I was separated from Teddy, especially in the first two weeks, providing breast milk was one of the few things I felt I could actively do to help him thrive and grow.”
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is shining a light on our ongoing support for infant feeding as part of Scottish Breastfeeding Week, which is recognised between 8th to 15th June. We’re proud to highlight the important ways in which we support Scotland’s smallest patients and their families – patients like Helen and baby Teddy. Teddy was born 10 weeks prematurely and received care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital. His mum, Helen, was supported by the charity-funded service, Express Yourself.
“The Express Yourself Project is a small gesture that has a big impact. When I was separated from Teddy, especially in the first two weeks, providing breast milk was one of the few things I felt I could actively do to help him thrive and grow. Express Yourself took away some of the stress that comes with that process.
“When I was finally discharged after a two-week hospital admission, I was given a pack containing a tote bag, a water bottle to keep me hydrated, a pen for my milk diary and a cool bag with an ice pack for transport.
“The neonatal unit itself provided a calm, comfortable, private space with snacks and drinks while I expressed. That support and guidance from the infant feeding specialists, gave me the confidence and the kit I needed to maintain my milk supply both at the cotside and once I was home.
“Since my partner and I don't drive, we relied entirely on public transport to get to and from the hospital. The journey took at least 45 minutes each way, often longer. Having a proper cool bag to safely transport Teddy's milk was vital.
“Removing the stress of sourcing that cool bag made an incredible difference. I used the tote bag daily for my medication, milk diary and water bottle. Even after we left the NICU, the cool bag came everywhere with us to store expressed milk on the go, and it was handy when Teddy later started his weaning journey.”
The Importance of Breastfeeding Support
“Trying to establish a milk supply and pump around the clock was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It felt incredibly overwhelming, especially while suffering through severe C-section complications that hadn't yet been identified. At one point, I couldn't even give Teddy my milk for 24 hours because I was radioactive after a scan, meaning we had to rely on donor expressed breast milk.
“The exhaustion of pumping through debilitating pain and then recovering from a second major surgery just one week after Teddy's birth was incredibly difficult but I was determined to give him the best start.
“Charity funded services like Express Yourself are essential. By gifting mums like me the practical tools we need they remove the physical and financial barrier, and it's one less thing to worry about during a difficult time and ensures that premature babies get the vital nutrients they need to thrive. It also helps mums feel seen and supported on their feeding journey.”
Bear-y Important Fundraising
After graduating from the Neonatal Unit, Helen, Teddy and their family have completed a range of fundraising and events to raise vital funds for the charity – including last year’s Kami Bear’s Teddy Trail.
Helen shares:
“We took part in Kami Bear's Teddy Trail as part of Teddy's first birthday celebrations. For his party, we specifically asked family and friends to donate to the charity instead of buying birthday gifts. However, we knew our loved ones would still struggle not to buy him presents, so we also decided to take part in the trail to mark the occasion.
“Walking through Glasgow alongside other families felt like one massive celebration. To look down at our own little bear who started his life intubated in an incubator and see him smiling, clapping and completely enjoying the day was an unforgettable experience. It showed us just how far he, and we as a family, have come. His big brother Rory has a great experience too, he especially enjoyed the food at the end! It was also incredibly moving to see so many other children and families who have benefited from the charity’s work all taking part and sharing in that joy together.”
She adds:
“When you are in the neonatal unit there is already so much to worry about so having some of that weight lifted by the services and products funded by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is incredible.
“Before our journey with Teddy, we actually weren't aware that Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity supported the neonatal units in Glasgow. Once we realised the scope of the amazing work they do we were keen to use our fundraising to highlight this and direct the funds straight back to the neonatal unit that cared for Teddy.
“Fundraising is vital because it directly impacts patient and family experiences. We wanted families on a similar path to ours to feel just as supported and cared for as we did. By backing the charity we can ensure that future parents have the resources they need to focus entirely on helping their babies heal and grow.”
Breast milk plays a vital role in protecting against infection and supporting development for Scotland’s tiniest patients. Over the last 25 years, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has invested more than £1 million into breastfeeding support systems, such as Express Yourself, as well as important initiatives like the Donor Milk Bank, our volunteer driver service, the purchase of breast pumps for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and so much more. With your support, we hope to continue funding these vital services and nurturing tiny lives in the future.