Our longest running project, BOOBS (Be Open On Breastfeeding Support) empowers women in Salford and Bury to be open about their breastfeeding experiences and inspire others to breastfeed for longer. We have been supporting parents on their breastfeeding journeys since 2014 and we believe that every parent should have the chance to have a happy, safe and comfortable breastfeeding journey.
We firmly believe that the first 1001 days of a child’s life are the most important and know that a secure attachment to the primary caregiver is essential to having a healthy child later in life.
The World Health Organisation recommends Breastfeeding up to the age of 2 and beyond because of the numerous health benefits for both mother and child. Â
According to UNICEF, the health benefits for a baby’s physical health include reducing the risk of
In addition, for mothers breastfeeding protects her from ovarian and breast cancer as well as heart disease.Â
Crucially though, we know through Maternal health research by UNICEF that  the outcome of a Mother and baby’s breastfeeding journey can affect attachment and bonding, parental confidence and post-partum mental health, all of which affect those crucial first days of a baby’s life. Studies have shown that early breastfeeding and breastfeeding for more than three months are both associated with reduced risk of postnatal depression, but stopping breastfeeding early, especially due to low confidence or issues, increases this risk.Â
 It is essential mums receive the correct support to achieve her breastfeeding goals and overcome breastfeeding challenges – including being supported with other methods of feeding if necessary.
Our team of breastfeeding peer supporters (including staff and volunteers) adhere to the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Standards, and are trained to Level 2 Peer Support. Our current primary training provider is Families and Babies (FAB).
This course is accredited through the Skills and Education Group. FAB is currently working towards UNICEF Stage 1 Baby Friendly Accreditation Community Standards alongside Wakefield Family Hubs as part of our commissioned service in the Wakefield District. Our longest standing peer supporters were trained by the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and Breastfeeding Together. 50% of our peer supporters have undertaken additional training including the NCT Level 2 course accredited by the OCN. Our BOOBS Project Manager completed UNICEF’s ‘breastfeeding and relationship building’ course to support us as we became Unicef BFI compliant.
Salford achieved Gold Standard accreditation for community support from UNICEF both in 2021 and in 2025. We contributed to this both times by working in partnership with the NHS (Northern Care Alliance) and Salford Council’s public health teams to achieve their goals – such as having a visible Breastfeeding Welcome scheme in all community and council-ran buildings, providing peer support in the community and contributing to the local Infant Feeding Strategy.
Since 2019 we have supported over 2000 women and their babies on their breastfeeding journey across Salford and Bury through 1:1 appointments, our Breastfeeding cafe’s, pram walks and events.
