SUPPORT NETWORK


An initiative driven by two determined female officers is helping new mothers in the police force to breastfeed their babies


A NURTURING NETWORK


families through the maternity process and keeping in touch when they were on leave. “After recognising that there was this


huge gap nationally in the way that families were being treated, I decided this had to be a national network, rather than just a local support system in West Mercia.” The network aims to support the policing family throughout their breastfeeding journeys with the breast buddies scheme, to empower families to make confident decisions in their feeding choices, and remove barriers that exist in relation to breastfeeding across the policing network. Another aim is to create a positive


The National Police Breastfeeding Network was launched in October 2022. It is the brainchild of West Mercia-based PS Kat Scrimshaw and DS Keri Alldritt, from North Yorkshire Police. The two officers have recruited a SPOC from each force to head up a team of so-called breast buddies, who have completed a breastfeeding course designed and run by DS Alldritt, who is a fully qualified midwife. Since the launch, 42 out of


43 forces are now affiliated with the network and more than 100 colleagues, male and female, have put themselves forward to become qualified breast buddies. “Before deciding to start the network,


express in store cupboards, toilets, and their personal vehicles. The total lack of facilities was a common theme running through many of these stories. “Many of these women felt forced to stop


breastfeeding because their managers voiced an annoyance at giving them time to go and express. Force policies were


attitude to breastfeeding, to raise awareness around the support needed for all family members, including supporting partners, and to ensure that adequate breastfeeding facilities are provided in every force in England and Wales. The next step will be the creation of a national working group made up of representatives from each force who will examine issues nationwide, push for change, and influence future policies. In addition, a Facebook group (nationalpolicebreastfeedingnetwork) can be accessed by all officers. Going forward, monthly drop-in support sessions will be held to support families with any issues and host guest speakers. “We have been overwhelmed by


“Force policies on breastfeeding were either confusing or non-existent, and women felt isolated and alone”


either confusing or non-existent, and these women felt isolated and alone. “Some felt pressure to run the fitness


I approached officers and staff from all different forces, asking them to share their breastfeeding experiences at work,” says PS Scrimshaw. “The stories, although individually unique, were sometimes horrifying. Women were being made to


38 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023


test when their bodies were not ready, and to participate in strenuous officer safety training, which involved being thrown to the floor, causing their breasts to leak. It seemed that there was a lack of education and training around managing


and are thankful for the support that this network has already received from senior leaders, HR officers, and officers and staff, both male and female,” says PS Scrimshaw. “We are excited to continue to strengthen


support nationally, to raise awareness and to help make policing a more inclusive environment for all.”


If you would like to be involved in the network or would like to know more about the support available, please contact nationalpolicebreastfeedingnetwork@ westmercia.police.uk


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