Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline
903. Wendy Jones
Dr Wendy Jones, from Hampshire, is a community pharmacist supporting mothers to have a better understanding of which medications are safe to use while breastfeeding.
‘The Breastfeeding Network’s’ national ‘Drugs in Breastmilk’ helpline, established by Dr Jones 20 years ago, provides advice to over 7,000 women every year, addressing the lack of easily available, free and evidence based information about which medications breastfeeding mothers can safely use. She has a PhD in pharmacy support for breastfeeding mothers and has written a number of books on the subject. She also advises healthcare professionals on the topic and provides personalised support to at least 20 families every day, helping mothers to make informed decisions about breastfeeding safely.
Wendy will receive her award from her MP George Hollingbery at a presentation today in Westminster.
In a personal letter to Wendy, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Over the past 20 years your work has supported thousands of mothers and babies across the UK. You have created a successful and pioneering model which provides mothers with the information they need to make informed decisions about using medications and treatments while breastfeeding.”
George Hollingbery, MP for Meon Valley said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to meet Wendy again today and present her with her award and a letter from the Prime Minister.
“She has done so much in the Meon Valley and Portsmouth over two decades to help breastfeeding mothers with information and advice.
“When I met her last year at the 20th anniversary of ‘The Breastfeeding Network’ it was clear just how committed she is to helping breastfeeding mums and dispel some of the worries they might have about what medication they can use.
“This is vital work that has given much support to thousands of women and helped so many babies receive a great start in life.
“I wish her all the best carrying on the good work, and it’s fantastic the Prime Minister has recognised this unsung hero in our midst.”
Wendy said:
“I am delighted to receive the Points of Light Award, not just for myself but on behalf of all the volunteers around the UK who, like me, support breastfeeding mothers. It is odd to think that a brief remark by a midwife 34 years ago that I was good at breastfeeding brought me to this point. I have been lucky to be able to use my professional skills as a pharmacist in combination with that passion to support mothers. I am forever grateful to my husband who allowed me to leave paid employment and follow my dreams. My three daughters taught me so much about breastfeeding, and in turn so have my 3 grandchildren (with a new one due to be born this month). I hope that this award will help me to highlight the need for professionals and families to be given evidence based information on the safety of drugs in breastmilk to guide and inform their decisions.”
Watch Wendy’s response on receiving a Points of Light award:
