MK breastfeeding support group receives donation from Labour councillor

A community organisation dedicated to supporting local parents has received a £500 cash boost from Stony Stratford ward councillor Akash Nayee.

The local Labour councillor is donating a portion of his ward budget to support MK Milk Mentors, a community project which runs vital breastfeeding peer support sessions in Stony Stratford Library.

Started by J'Nel Metherell, a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who ran the first training course in October 2019, the organisation offers both one on one and group support to local families, as well as providing a space for parents to meet others in a similar situation.

MK Milk Mentors now run regular weekly groups across Milton Keynes and offer peer supporter training to parents passionate about helping others to breastfeed.

Cllr Akash Nayee and his son visit MK Milk Mentors

Cllr Akash Nayee, ward councillor for Stony Stratford, said: “MK Milk Mentors provides a fantastic service that supports parents during a critical time. For many parents, this is a daunting process and having that extra support there can really take a lot of pressure off. My wife and I have personally benefitted massively from their expertise, and we are forever grateful for the help they provided.

“I am delighted to use £500 of my ward budget to help provide them with the much-needed resources to train and educate more parents and help more families across our community.”

J'Nel, founder of MK Milk Mentors, added: "We are so grateful for the donation from Councillor Akash Nayee to our community organisation. It'll definitely be put to good use in continuing to provide free breastfeeding support to mothers and families in the local area.

“Milk Mentors peer supporters are passionate about postpartum care related to feeding and are always striving to provide a high standard of informed and empathetic support, that is known to result in positive outcomes for both the baby and the mum, or feeding parent, for not just physical health, but also long-term, mental and emotional health."

MK Milk Mentors sessions run every Thursday morning from 10-11:30, in Stony Public Library and its monthly group runs the third Friday of every month in Astwood.

All group details and support information can be found on the website www.MilkMentors.org.