Mothers from across Halton have come together in Widnes to share powerful, personal accounts of breastfeeding, using poetry to spark conversation and encourage support-seeking among new families.
Poems born from lived experience
The gathering at the Glass House in Victoria Park, Widnes, showcased work created through creative writing workshops run by the borough’s Infant Feeding Teams. For many who took part, the process of writing — and then reading aloud — offered a way to reflect on difficult starts, celebrate hard-won progress and build connections that last beyond the newborn months.
One attendee, Jen Hall, described how the workshops forged lasting friendships and helped her process the early days of feeding.
“I did the workshops about two years ago, and I’m still in touch with most of the mums now.” She added: “It was quite healing to write about your experience.”
Practical help alongside peer connection
Speakers stressed that honest storytelling complements hands-on support at home and in the community. Nicola, who shared a poem at the event, credited local teams and peer groups with helping her sustain breastfeeding when it felt toughest.
“I really struggled to breastfeed, and the team would come out, do home visits, and put me in touch with support groups with other mums. We made some really good contacts, and I think I never would’ve breastfed for as long as I did if I didn’t have the support groups.”
The event drew a series of emotional pieces that reflected the wide range of experiences across the borough — a reminder that no two journeys are the same and that confidence can take time to build.
Normalising breastfeeding in public spaces
Holding the readings in a busy community setting was a deliberate choice. Organisers said visibility matters, both for new parents and for wider public understanding. By choosing Victoria Park, the message was that breastfeeding is an everyday part of family life and should be welcomed in public places across Halton.
Rebekah Walsh, joint lead on the Infant Feeding Workstream for Family Hubs, said the focus was on letting local voices lead the way.
“It’s been so powerful. Rather than us telling people about the benefits of breastfeeding, some of our local mothers are telling their stories about the challenges that they faced, but also how they overcame it and how breastfeeding has really benefitted them and their families.”
Organisers also highlighted recognised benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers, including support for healthy growth and development and help in fighting infections, as well as positive outcomes for parental wellbeing.
Where families can find support in Halton
Parents at the event pointed to a blend of professional guidance and peer solidarity. The following forms of help were discussed by attendees and organisers:
- Home visits from local Infant Feeding Teams for practical, one-to-one advice.
- Support groups connecting parents with others who are navigating similar challenges.
- Creative writing workshops to reflect, share and build confidence around feeding journeys.
- Public events in community settings to normalise breastfeeding and raise awareness.
| Support | Where from |
|---|---|
| Home visits | Infant Feeding Teams |
| Peer support groups | Linked via Infant Feeding Teams |
| Creative writing workshops | Infant Feeding Teams |
| Community awareness events | Family Hubs and local partners |
A community-led approach
For families at the Glass House, the emphasis was on making sure that anyone who wants to breastfeed is able to access support without stigma. The recurring theme was reassurance: it is normal to need help, and early intervention — whether through a visit at home or a conversation at a group — can make a decisive difference.
The Infant Feeding Teams’ use of creative expression is also an acknowledgement that feeding is about more than technique. Parents spoke about confidence, recovery, returning to work and the emotional landscape of the first weeks and months. For some, crafting a poem was a way to articulate complex feelings that can be hard to express in clinic settings.
By taking these stories into a popular park in Widnes, organisers aimed to put breastfeeding firmly in the mainstream of local life. The event’s message was straightforward: support is available, experiences vary, and shared stories can help others through the toughest patches.
