Arising from a desire to better understand families’ experiences of breastfeeding and local service provision, Treasure Chest undertook a small-scale research study in 2021.

To achieve the research aims, the project was designed with two strands of data collection: five in-depth qualitative interviews; and an online survey with a mix of closed and open questions.

The survey was advertised on various websites and social media apps linked to York parent groups such as York Mumbler, NCT York Bumps and Babies, York Natural Nurturing Network and Stables Yoga Mamas, among others. In early August 2021 the survey opened for responses and closed in mid-October 2021. During this time, 126 responses were received. 

In response to the research findings, a number of strategic decisions have been made to enhance the services offered by Treasure Chest:

• A greater number of Peer Supporters offering support at the hospital, after undertaking extra training

• Consideration of the content of the antenatal workshops, boosting discussion about potential problems to help manage parents’ expectations

• More social media posts to inform of Treasure Chest’s reach and purpose, and to shatter misconceptions (e.g. about supporting only exclusive breastfeeding, or not supporting parents who want to stop breastfeeding)

• Continue offering at least one online support group (via Zoom) to ensure wide accessibility

• Boost awareness of Treasure Chest by creating new leaflets and posters, and by engaging with health practitioners who might signpost (e.g. GPs, health visitors, midwives)

• Continue to seek funding to enable the offer of one-to-one sessions with an IBCLC

You can read and download the full report of our research below: