Jersey's first infant-feeding specialist midwife appointed

Friday 14 April 2023

A midwife specialising in infant feeding has been appointed in Jersey for the first time, to help provide parents with "evidence-based information" and support families with feeding their babies.

In Jersey last year, 65% of mothers were breastfeeding six-to-eight weeks after birth, compared to 49% of mothers in England breastfeeding after the same amount of time — according to a report published last month.

The new midwife specialist for infant feeding, Debbie McCoy, will help to assist mothers and their partners during pregnancy and postnatally with feeding their children, through breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Pictured: Debbie McCoy, Jersey's first midwife specialist for infant feeding. (Sophie Darwin) 

Ms McCoy said: "We used to say 'breast is best' but 'informed is best'. We want parents to have the correct, evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions."

According to the government, the creation of the new role was one of the key priorities for the Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson.

Ms McCoy added: "Breastfeeding can be difficult and some people do struggle.

"We are here to ensure that journey is as stress-free as possible. It’s not just about breastfeeding, we also want to make sure we are giving parents the right, unbiased advice about formula feeding."

As part of the role, Ms McCoy will be responsible for ensuring midwives have ongoing professional support and are up-to date with guidance in order to give families consistent feeding advice.

The Births and Breastfeeding Profile revealed that, last year, the highest recorded percentage of mothers were breastfeeding in Jersey since 2011.

Pictured: The creation of the new role was one of the key priorities for the Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson.

A mother who benefitted from the support of Ms McCoy was Meryl Laisney.

Ms Laisney said: "I feel really fortunate to have received this support from Debbie [McCoy]. I remember her saying: 'It is a skill you and baby need to learn'. She gives you so much support, empathy and patience to inspire you to keep going.

"I often describe Debbie [McCoy] as the 'breastfeeding oracle'. What you need as a mum is that consistent support. It is important to have that advice for women at an early stage if they are having struggles."

As part of Ms McCoy's role she will also be responsible for assisting with the island's assessment under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

According to the government, the Baby Friendly Initiative is a programme designed by UNICEF to help assist parents to build relationships with their babies and to make their own feeding choices.

Pictured top: Meryl Laisney and family have benefited from the support of Debbie McCoy.