SHOCKED mums have criticised a decision to remove a breastfeeding group’s support worker – just weeks after Southampton became a Breastfeeding Welcome City.

Mums in Southampton had reported negative reactions to breastfeeding in public and the welcome initiative was launched to promote positive, supportive, public breastfeeding opportunities.

The project is a collaboration between Southampton City Council and the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and more than 80 venues signed up to give new mums a warm welcome.

But now, Bosom Pals, a group which provides support for more than 60 breastfeeding members at the Sure Start centre in Weston, has lost its maternity support worker Jacquie Murrell.

The group has launched a petition protesting the move and has so far gathered more than 300 signatures.

Aime Wilson became a member after the birth of Alfie 20 months ago and is upset at the effect losing the group’s worker will have.

She said: “It’s very important and we want to keep it.

“It’s a social gathering and you have got the professional support there for any issues that might come up through your breastfeeding journey.

“It’s good getting together with other mums who have been going through the same thing, and knowing that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I had lots of issues but Jacquie is so knowledgeable – her bed-side manner is so amazing that you instantly trust her.”

As well as letting down women who use the group, Aime pointed to research suggesting that increased breastfeeding rates would save the NHS money.

A study published by the organisation itself shows that increasing breastfeeding rates in neonatal units from 35 per cent to 75 per cent could save £6million per year by reducing the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis.

It also stated that if the percentage of women who breastfed for at least four months increased from seven per cent to 45 per cent, the NHS could save an additional £11million a year.

Breastfeeding has become a controversial issue in Hampshire after BBC Radio Solent DJ Alex Dyke suggested that “librariantype moustached” women should not breastfeed in public.

The Daily Echo understands that the Weston group is overseen by Solent NHS Trust and that a decision has been made to remove its worker and have members provide support for each other.

When contacted the Trust it insisted it had no connections with the group or the support worker.

Abigail Easter, research and evaluation manager at NCT, said: “We would like to see improved services for all parents including those who want to breastfeed but are struggling.

“NCT supports both mums who decide to bottlefeed and those who want to breastfeed by providing a helpline, breastfeeding counsellors and drop-in sessions.

“Research shows this kind of support has practical and psychological benefits for mothers, impacting on the wellbeing of their babies.”

To view the group’s petition visit https://goo.gl/ONP7PE.