Dear All,
I need to let you know that at some point tomorrow, for just over two weeks, I'm going 'off duty'... We're taking some time out to enjoy our remaining time as a family of three. My daughter is going to build sandcastles, ("not small sandcastles, BIG sandcastles!"), and my fat tummy and I are going to sit nearby and admire them. I may even read a book or two...
I started this blog and the related Facebook group just about a year ago now, at the start of July 2011 (the exact date escapes me!). I never imagined that just a year later tens of thousands of people would have visited this blog, shared posts, or that there'd be over 4,000 members in the Facebook community. It has been incredible to see how the group has grown, to hear from people who say they've been supported to breastfeed by it - (makes me quite emotional to think about that!) - and to watch as small (but significant) changes take place in the real world as a result of our combined myth-busting efforts!
Since I'm going to be 'out of circulation' for a little while, I've taken the decision to shut the group's wall to posts until I get back. I'm sorry to do this, but it's just not fair in my opinion to ask one person (Julie) to run everything single-handedly.
This means that (sadly!) you won't be able to post questions to the group until the wall is re-opened. I'm acutely aware that the ability to post questions on the wall is a very important part of what goes on here at DBM, but I think the facility can only be offered when enough admins are available.
Bear with me though - I have another lovely competition in the pipeline for when I return ;)
In the meantime, here's a reminder of some alternative sources of breastfeeding information and support:
Facebook: Breastfeeding related groups & pages:
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (on Facebook)
The Breastfeeding Network (on Facebook)
The Analytical Armadillo
Lactivist
The Funny-Shaped Woman
The Leaky Boob
Kellymom (on Facebook)
Breastfeeding support - UK
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM):
'Ring our counselling helpline on 08444 122 949 to speak to one of our fully trained Breastfeeding Counsellors for breastfeeding support and information.'
La Leche League of Great Britain (LLLGB): 'Breastfeeding questions or difficulties? No problem! You can contact a La Leche League Leader via our telephone helpline and get the information and support that can make all the difference. ' 0845 120 2918
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 'This service will work alongside services provided by the NHS, in the same way as we work alongside the NHS in Primary Care Trusts and hospitals.' 0300 100 0212
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Breastfeeding helpline: 0300 330 0771
UNITED STATES:
If you're in the US, you can find information about your local La Leche League chapter by searching here: http://www.llli.org/webus.html 'If you are unable to find a Group or Leader near you, 24-hour breastfeeding help is available toll-free in the US from the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline-US at 877-4-LALECHE (877-452-5324).'
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/finding-support-and-information/national-breastfeeding-helpline.cfm 1-800-994-9662
OTHER COUNTRIES:
Use this link to search for LLL information for your country
***REMEMBER - NEVER BE SCARED TO ASK FOR HELP!
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!***
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!***
*PLEASE NOTE - the various resources listed here are for your information only, and their inclusion should not be interpreted as endorsement.
You will be missed, but you more than deserve a break. Now, go and enjoy those enormous sandcastles!
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed, but of course it's completely the right decision. Looking forward to hearing about the new addition though... and make sure them castles have turrets!!
ReplyDeleteLet me reassure you - she has a selection of turrets to choose from, along with various animal shapes and motor vehicles....! :) will provide pictorial evidence upon my return!
ReplyDeletePlease, enjoy a totally guilt-free wonderful time with your family! This page and esp the posts from the two of you have been almost a daily support to me and have given my twins the chance to still be guzzling mummy-milk at 13 1/2 months, with no thoughts of letting up. I didn't even know that I didn't know ANYTHING about breastfeeding before I stumbled upon this page. Thank you, thank you, thank you again, and while we will miss you, you are doing the best thing you possibly could be doing at this time. xx
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