For more than a decade, Breastfeeding Buddies offered struggling new mothers a lifeline in some of Scotland’s busiest maternity wards. But this week, that lifeline was abruptly cut.
Run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and operating in five hospitals and seven community settings across Greater Glasgow and Lothian, the peer support service closed its doors on June 6, following a decision by the Scottish Government to withdraw direct funding.
The closure has sparked widespread concern among mothers, midwives, volunteers, and health campaigners—many of whom say the existing NHS staff are already too stretched to fill the gap.
‘It’s quite heartbreaking’
Kirsteen Buckney, who managed NCT’s services in Glasgow, said staff were devastated—not just about losing their jobs, but about the impact on families.
“When we first found out we weren’t getting funded, everybody that I work with was worried about the families we support—not about ourselves,” she said.
She cited data showing that 90% of women who stop breastfeeding do so because they lacked support. “Without that support, it’s not a real choice for them anymore. It’s quite heartbreaking.”
Why Breastfeeding Buddies Mattered
The scheme matched new mothers with trained peer supporters—women who had breastfed themselves and were equipped to help with the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of breastfeeding.
NCT’s model combined structured support within hospital wards with drop-in sessions and group meetups in community centres, offering a rare blend of expertise and empathy.
The project operated with:
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A staff team of nine
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82 trained peer supporters
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Support across five NHS hospitals and seven local communities
Yet its closure came swiftly after a policy shift: instead of centrally funding third-sector projects like NCT’s, the Scottish Government has devolved funding decisions to local NHS boards.
‘Vulnerable time for a new mother’
Katie, a first-time mother from Glasgow, was among the many women who say the service helped them when they felt most fragile.
Her son, Oliver, was born prematurely after a high-risk pregnancy. She recalled the anxiety of trying to breastfeed in hospital.
“They were able to come and check that his latch was OK and just give me that bit of emotional support because it is quite a vulnerable time for a new mother.”
What seemed like a natural act became overwhelming. “You think it’ll come naturally. But it doesn’t, especially with a premature baby.”
Thanks to the Breastfeeding Buddies, Katie found the confidence to continue, even breastfeeding in public—something she said would have once terrified her.
‘A lifeline for us’
Sophie, another new mum, had a similarly rocky start. Her daughter, Nora, was born early, and spent time in neonatal intensive care.
“We didn’t get off to the easiest of starts,” she said. “That put us on the back foot with our breastfeeding.”
While midwives were supportive, they were also overwhelmed. “The wards were so busy. It wasn’t until I got home that issues really became clear.”
For Sophie, peer-led groups became essential. “Being able to go to groups with other mums and sharing experiences—alongside having the expertise of peer supporters—was really key for us in helping us to continue.”
Former volunteers speak out
Sadia Malik volunteered as a Breastfeeding Buddy in Edinburgh after her own baby had spent time in intensive care. Now training to become a midwife herself, she’s seen the support crisis from multiple sides.
“Midwives are so stretched. Every time we went into the wards, we were appreciated by the staff and by the parents.”
Sadia said it was “devastating” to watch a programme that had such impact disappear overnight.
Government defends policy shift
A Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the scheme’s closure but pointed to broader trends.
“Breastfeeding rates are the highest on record, with 49% of mothers breastfeeding between six and eight weeks after birth,” she said.
Only a “small number” of areas had previously received direct funding from the Scottish Government, she noted. The decision to route funding through health boards, she argued, gives local systems more flexibility and sustainability.
However, neither NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nor NHS Lothian has opted to continue the programme.
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health for NHS Lothian, acknowledged the “recent changes to the funding model” and said the board remained committed to ensuring women received adequate breastfeeding support.
Critics say online advice is no substitute
The government is now directing mothers to online resources or asking them to seek help from midwives or health visitors. But with maternity staff already stretched thin, many fear that support will fall through the cracks.
Public Health Scotland itself has previously warned that breastfeeding reduces health inequalities, especially among younger mothers, ethnic minorities, and those in more deprived areas.
For vulnerable families, personal support—not just a pamphlet or a website—can make all the difference.
The Bigger Picture: Breastfeeding Inequality in Scotland
| Group | Breastfeeding Rate at 6-8 Weeks |
|---|---|
| National average (2024) | 49% |
| Most deprived areas | ~35% |
| Least deprived areas | ~65% |
| Mothers under 25 | ~30% |
| Mothers over 30 | ~55% |
Sources: Public Health Scotland, 2024 estimates
While overall breastfeeding rates are improving, major disparities remain—and experts worry that ending peer support schemes could stall further progress.
A legacy at risk
Breastfeeding Buddies leaves behind more than just shuttered support groups. It leaves behind a question: What happens when a proven, low-cost public health initiative is scrapped—not because it failed, but because responsibility was shifted?
For now, the Scottish Government insists that health boards will step in. But mothers like Katie and Sophie aren’t convinced that anyone else is really listening.
