Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) is a charity dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families.

Breastfeeding can be tough, and there are many factors that play into the choice mothers make of how to feed their baby. For those who want to breastfeed, not having support or access to expert advice shouldn't be what stops them.

I knew I wanted to try to breastfeed Meredith, and GBSN meant I could do so with a community of experts and other mothers around me to offer advice, support and encouragement.

Specialist breastfeeding support isn't easily available on the NHS and for many, going private is prohibitively expensive. GBSN is a team of qualified Breastfeeding Counsellors and network of volunteer Peer Supporters. They run seven free weekly support groups across Gloucestershire, as well as providing free one-to-one video calls with breastfeeding counsellors for parents and parents-to-be. All their services are provided free of charge and they are supported by donations.

As this will be my first race since the arrival of Meredith, I wanted to use the opportunity to raise money for GBSN and it seemed only right that I should take Meredith along with me too! I'll be running the Two Tunnels Half Marathon in Bath on 18th August, with Meredith in the running buggy (The easy way to complete your first half marathon - aged 8 months!). If you'd like to sponsor us and help support this fantastic charity, anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alice and Meredith