Baby-Friendly e-Newsletter : Breastfeeding – We Care (Mar 2026)(AI-translated version)

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Date: 2026-03-19

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(To read the original Chinese version of this article, please click here.)

This page contains an AI-translated version. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Chinese version.

 

From Walking the Same Path to Walking Side by Side:

Weaving the “Love, Latch, Chat” Support Network in the Community

Author:

Ms. Jamie Lau

Project Manager, Breastfeeding Peer Support Scheme “Love, Latch, Chat” (organised by the Department of Health (DH) and managed by the Natural Parenting Network (NPN))

 

Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate bonds between a mother and her baby. Yet for many mothers, this journey is not always smooth or easy. The real challenges often begin after leaving the delivery room and returning home — when professional support becomes less immediate, and mothers face physical exhaustion, emotional ups and downs, and the realities of daily life.

To support mothers beyond the hospital setting, the Breastfeeding Peer Support Scheme “Love, Latch, Chat” has been established to walk alongside mothers in the community. Through the strength of mother‑to‑mother peer support, the scheme has brought encouragement, reassurance, and practical help to countless breastfeeding families across Hong Kong.

The scheme recruits and trains mothers with breastfeeding experience to become trained peer counsellors, providing comprehensive support to both expectant and postpartum mothers through Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs), social media platforms, and community‑based channels.

 

Peer Support — A Gentle Strength Beyond Professional Care

Professional advice from healthcare workers is essential, especially in the early days after birth. However, once mothers return home, they may encounter challenges that go beyond technique — such as fatigue, hormonal changes, self‑doubt, and family pressures.

At these moments, peer support offers something unique: understanding rooted in lived experience.

 

The Power of Emotional Understanding

Peer counsellors in “Love, Latch, Chat” are mothers who have personally experienced breastfeeding. They know what it feels like to struggle with engorgement, to worry about milk supply, and to feel uncertain or embarrassed when breastfeeding in public.

This shared experience creates a strong sense of emotional connection. When a mother hears, “I understand how you feel — I’ve been there too,” she often feels less alone, less judged, and more supported. Research has shown that peer support can help extend breastfeeding duration and reduce the risk of postnatal emotional distress.

 

Building Confidence, Not Just Teaching Skills

Successful breastfeeding is not only about mastering techniques — confidence plays a vital role. “Love, Latch, Chat” peer counsellors are not there to instruct or pressure mothers. Instead, they walk alongside them.

Through listening, encouragement, and reassurance, counsellors help mothers understand their own bodies and situations, rebuild trust in themselves, and regain confidence in feeding their babies. Mothers are empowered to make informed choices that best suit their own families — without guilt or comparison.

 

A Bridge That Reduces Loneliness

At the heart of peer support lies connection. All “Love, Latch, Chat” peer counsellors have walked the breastfeeding journey themselves. Their role goes beyond sharing information — it is about companionship.

Sometimes, a listening ear and a few heartfelt words can be more comforting than any technical advice. By sharing real experiences and practical insights, peer counsellors help mothers feel understood and supported, easing the sense of isolation that can arise during early motherhood.

 

Emotional Support — Anytime, Anywhere

Breastfeeding challenges do not always happen during clinic hours. Difficult moments often arise late at night, when clinics are closed and mothers feel most alone.

Through phone contact and social media platforms, “Love, Latch, Chat” peer counsellors can offer timely emotional support and experience‑based sharing, helping to fill the gap between professional services and real‑life needs.

 

Becoming a Peer Counsellor — Walking with Other Mothers

Peer counsellors are not only mothers with breastfeeding experience; they are also trained supporters. “Love, Latch, Chat” regularly recruits mothers who wish to give back to the community.

Before providing support, all counsellors complete structured training delivered by the Natural Parenting Network (NPN). Training covers effective communication skills, up‑to‑date breastfeeding knowledge, and how to identify situations that require referral to healthcare professionals. Counsellors must also pass an assessment to ensure that every mother receives reliable, safe, and compassionate support.

Peer counsellors come from diverse backgrounds and professions, making the support network inclusive, relatable, and welcoming to mothers from all walks of life.

 

Warm Encounters at Maternal and Child Health Centres

MCHCs play an important role in connecting families with “Love, Latch, Chat”. Within the centres, peer counsellors engage with expectant and new mothers in waiting areas during antenatal and newborn check‑ups.

They introduce the peer support service, listen to mothers’ feeding experiences, and share practical tips tailored to individual needs — from antenatal preparation and breastfeeding techniques to planning for a return to work.

These interactions help mothers prepare emotionally for breastfeeding and reassure them that they are not alone. A supportive community is always nearby, ready to walk with them.

 

Passing Love Forward — From Receiving Support to Giving Support

One of the most touching aspects of “Love, Latch, Chat” is its cycle of care. Many peer counsellors were once mothers who received support themselves.

I still remember learning about Love, Latch, Chat during my daughter’s visit to a MCHC. I joined a hand‑expression workshop, where a peer counsellor demonstrated the technique patiently and clearly. That moment has stayed with me ever since.

Afterwards, the counsellor listened as I shared my struggles and emotions as a new mother. For the first time, I felt truly understood. I realised I was not alone. With the support of fellow mothers, I continued breastfeeding until my daughter naturally weaned. I soon asked about joining the scheme — and became a peer counsellor myself.

Today, I have the privilege of passing this courage and reassurance on to other mothers through health centres, workshops, and social media. This is the quiet beauty among breastfeeding mothers — a love that continues to be shared.

 

Looking Ahead — Let “Love, Latch, Chat” Reach More Families

With the promotion of baby‑friendly practices in Hong Kong, more mothers are learning about the benefits of breastfeeding. Yet sustaining this journey requires ongoing support from both healthcare services and the community.

We will continue to work closely with the Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Centres to expand the reach of the Breastfeeding Peer Support Scheme “Love, Latch, Chat”, so that more families can benefit from timely, compassionate peer support.

Breastfeeding is a long journey filled with love, effort, and perseverance. Peer support is the gentle encouragement along the way — reminding mothers that they do not have to walk alone.

 

May “Love, Latch, Chat” continue to accompany every mother on her breastfeeding journey!

 

Learn More about Love, Latch, Chat

For more information, please follow Love, Latch, Chat on:

 

 

Editor-in-Chief: Dr Shirley Leung

Editorial Team: Mrs Francis Au, Ms Vicky Tsang, Ms Carmen Tse, Ms Sharon Tsui, Ms Sherrie Wong

 

Images in this article are provided by the Natural Parenting Network.

 

 

 

All rights reserved by Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association.

 

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