LCGB is very proud to announce the first two Conference Scholarship go to Jane Graves and Suzanne Tobin.

From Jane,

From Jane,

‘I work at a local hospital as a breastfeeding supporter providing a telephone helpline for local mums. I have been pursuing becoming an IBCLC since 2010. With no health professional background I am working towards fulfilling the health sciences education requirements as well as the breastfeeding education I need. I run a Facebook group to share information and support with other non-health professional candidates. Until recently I have done all this while suffering from ME. Following a considerable improvement in my health I am excited about being able to attend the conference.’

From Suzanne,

Suzanne Tobin

‘My passion for supporting mothers began when my eldest daughter was born, she’s 12 this year, and receiving good support made me realise how much it was needed to help other mothers. I began my journey as a peer supporter and trained with Cath Stone. I then went onto train as a La Leche League Leader after finding support with my local group and I’ve been doing this for around 10yrs. I run twice monthly meets for mother to mother support in Leeds as well as taking local calls, emails, social media queries and do home visits as part of this role. I am also speaking at both the local and national conferences for LLLGB this year. In my not so spare time I’m district co-ordinator for other LLL leaders in Yorkshire and the North East.

My day job is also breastfeeding. I am a maternity support worker in the community providing 1:1 breastfeeding support for mothers during the antenatal & postnatal period. I currently work in a caseloading team in an area focused on lowering infant mortality levels. The women are provided with care on a pathway which is individualised and in their own homes.

I also worked in the breastfeeding clinic providing 1:1 and alongside IBCLC support to women having difficulties. I’ve held the role for 5years and in the first 2 years it was a breastfeeding pilot project to help women initiate and prolong duration. It was a very successful project leading to targeted care in each area. This year I’m going to be training new peer supporters in Leeds as well as the yearly doula training I deliver with a colleague.

I am very much looking forward to the LCGB conference and hearing the wonderful speakers in this years line up. I am excited to be on the pathway to becoming an IBCLC and I’m grateful to you all for running the sponsor places this year.’

We are thrilled that Jane and Suzanne will be attending their first LCGB Conference and wish them well on their journey to become IBCLCs.