My name is Pippa and I currently work in Devon as a registered NHS midwife in both the community and ward settings. This profession is one that I feel utterly privileged to be part of and has helped shape my journey to starting this new venture.

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Here is my story on how and why I started Exeter Breastfeeding Service.

I first applied to midwifery college when I was 17, I didn’t get in at that time but I never stopped dreaming. I worked in a supportive role in a specialist educational needs school before having my first baby. I had very little knowledge or understanding of breastfeeding and battled my way through for 3 months before stopping suddenly one night (I do NOT recommend this, ouch!). Over a decade on and I still feel the emotions that I experienced on that journey which is what fuels and motivates my passion for educating and supporting parents on their breastfeeding journeys.

A year after my first, I had my second baby, and with the knowledge I had gained and the fact that he was born at term and ready for a feed made a huge difference. We still faced challenges but the initiation of our feeding journey was smooth because I was more confident and purposeful in my approach.

As soon as my youngest started school I headed back to college for A-Levels and went on to apply for the midwifery degree at Plymouth University.

During my midwifery training I became obsessed with our breastfeeding modules, the whole process blows my mind, our bodies are incredible!

Once I became a qualified midwife I knew I needed to add to the existing services to ensure parents always had somewhere to turn and the idea of Exeter Breastfeeding Services was born.