A Barnsley mum who has been breastfeeding for the past 18 months has discovered that as well as the health benefits to her and her child, it’s provided an added bonus during the current cost of living crisis.

Stacy Naylor, 32, from Wombwell, said: “Each time I feed my little one I think how amazing it is that he's getting all the goodness from me as well as the health benefits for myself."

Stacy recounts all the environmental and cost savings she’s made since her little one, Warren Naylor, was born.

“I’ve saved on electricity, as I've not needed to boil the kettle; I've saved on water, as I don't need to cool or wash any bottles and most of all, saved on formula, which isn't cheap these days.

“Thinking further into it as well, I've saved money as I've not needed to buy bottles, a steriliser, bottle brushes, bottle warmers or bottle bags, as my breastmilk is lovingly ready at the perfect temperature for my little one.

“I can also be anywhere and feed him when he needs it, no worrying trying to find facilities to make up a bottle.

“It eases my worries as I know I'll have breastmilk for as long as he needs; I don't have to worry so much about energy rises or the cost of formula going up again.”

We are lucky in Barnsley to be one of the few places where the council delivers health visiting and school nursing via our 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service. The service supports children, families and young people with both physical and emotional health and wellbeing, and it has been awarded an outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission.

An important part of the service is the infant feeding team, which supports parents like Stacy to breastfeed.

Julia Burrows, Barnsley’s Director of Public Health, said: “Keeping ourselves and our families well is the key to living great and happy lives – something we are committed to as part of our ambitions for Barnsley 2030, where our borough should be the place of possibilities for everyone.

“Some mums and babies get the hang of breastfeeding straight away, but some may take a little more time, and that’s where the support of our team comes in. From face-to-face support sessions at a number of Family Centres across Barnsley and a breastfeeding group on a Wednesday from 9.30am to 10.30 am at The Lightbox to a really popular Facebook page full of hints, tips, information and encouragement at facebook.com/barnsleyinfantfeedingteam, we’re here to provide a listening ear and someone to turn to.”

The service is also available via a phone call Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Contact them on (01226) 775700. You can also direct message them via Facebook.

For additional and out-of-hours support, the National Breastfeeding helpline is available 365 days a year, 9.30am to 9.30pm on 0300 100 0212.

All families should be able to breastfeed their babies in public places without fear of harassment or discrimination. The Equality Act 2010 has clarified that it's unlawful for a business to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding a child.  There are plenty of locations in Barnsley which have signed up to our Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme and provide a welcoming atmosphere for breastfeeding families. For more information, visit barnsley.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/children-young-people-and-families/infant-feeding/