Local breastfeeding support volunteer wins national award

LOCAL woman Veryan Conn was recently announced as the winner of the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers  (ABM) national prize, Pam’s Prize.  

Veryan is a La Leche League Leader in Frome and has been supporting mothers in the Somerset area for over 20 years. She was awarded with Pam’s Prize which recognises the work of breastfeeding councillors in the UK.

In an interview with the ABM, when asked how she felt about being nominated by mums she had helped, Veryan said, “It’s great; particularly to know that what I do is so appreciated and is really helping families. On the other hand I do feel a bit embarrassed because I know that there are lots of other volunteers out there who deserve the recognition just as much as I do.

“I think that the two things that mums appreciate about the Frome group are firstly having a breastfeeding-related topic to talk about each week, at least for part of the time, and secondly having some “regular mums” at most meetings. They remember what life was like with a new baby and they get involved in discussions in a supportive and encouraging way. Having said that, I am sure that there isn’t a “one size fits all” breastfeeding group.”

On Veryan’s plans for the future, she said, “The first part of my plan for the future is to have preferably two co-leaders for the Frome group. The second part of it is to run occasional “toddler meetings” where mums who are still breastfeeding can get together to support each other and exchange ideas.

“The third part is to run occasional “couples meetings” aimed at expectant parents/new parents. The fourth part of my plan is to organise things so my co-leaders are running some of our regular Wednesday sessions and I can start sliding gradually into retirement.”

Veryan was awarded with Pam’s Prize earlier this month at a ABM breastfeeding conference.