Introduction Blake Stevenson Ltd was commissioned by the Breastfeeding Network (BfN) to evaluate the impact of the National Breastfeeding Helpline (NBH) in Scotland. The evaluation included an in-depth analysis of NBH call data, a survey of service users, and interviews with helpline volunteers and internal and external stakeholders. This final report sets out the findings of the evaluation and provides recommendations for future service delivery of the NBH in Scotland. Context The Breastfeeding Network is a Registered Charity, which provides independent information and support for breastfeeding mothers and their families across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. BfN aims to inform women, parents and the community about the benefits of breastfeeding, encourage positive attitudes about breastfeeding, and ensure that parents are confident about making informed breastfeeding decisions. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a phone service, run by BfN in collaboration with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), which is open from 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year. The service is based upon the principle of peer support and calls are dealt with by volunteer mothers (trained and supervised by both BfN and ABM) across the UK, who have breastfed and subsequently received training in breastfeeding support. There are specific support services available in Welsh, Polish, Bengali, Sylheti, and a webchat service is also provided. The NBH has been funded by Public Health England since 2008, and the Scottish Government since 2015. In its grant agreement, the Scottish Government set out its key aims and objectives in relation to the helpline. Primarily, these were to: increase capacity to offer peer support on the National Breastfeeding Helpline in Scotland by training new volunteers and supporting existing ones; and raise awareness of the National Breastfeeding Helpline with families and professionals. Policy context in Scotland There is substantial evidence to indicate both short and long term health benefits to mothers and infants of breastfeeding. As a result, there has been a global directive towards improving infant feeding practices, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2003 Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO’s Baby Friendly initiative.
Introduction Blake Stevenson Ltd was commissioned by the Breastfeeding Network (BfN) to evaluate the impact of the National Breastfeeding Helpline (NBH) in Scotland. The evaluation included an in-depth analysis of NBH call data, a survey of service users, and interviews with helpline volunteers and internal and external stakeholders. This final report sets out the findings of the evaluation and provides recommendations for future service delivery of the NBH in Scotland. Context The Breastfeeding Network is a Registered Charity, which provides independent information and support for breastfeeding mothers and their families across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. BfN aims to inform women, parents and the community about the benefits of breastfeeding, encourage positive attitudes about breastfeeding, and ensure that parents are confident about making informed breastfeeding decisions. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a phone service, run by BfN in collaboration with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), which is open from 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year. The service is based upon the principle of peer support and calls are dealt with by volunteer mothers (trained and supervised by both BfN and ABM) across the UK, who have breastfed and subsequently received training in breastfeeding support. There are specific support services available in Welsh, Polish, Bengali, Sylheti, and a webchat service is also provided. The NBH has been funded by Public Health England since 2008, and the Scottish Government since 2015. In its grant agreement, the Scottish Government set out its key aims and objectives in relation to the helpline. Primarily, these were to: increase capacity to offer peer support on the National Breastfeeding Helpline in Scotland by training new volunteers and supporting existing ones; and raise awareness of the National Breastfeeding Helpline with families and professionals. Policy context in Scotland There is substantial evidence to indicate both short and long term health benefits to mothers and infants of breastfeeding. As a result, there has been a global directive towards improving infant feeding practices, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2003 Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO’s Baby Friendly initiative.
BfN%20helpline%20evaluation%20final%20report%20Dec%202017%20(4).docx