While breast may be best it is not always easy.

In recognition of the many problems mums can experience with breastfeeding, a new peer group has been set up to offer support, share experiences and, where needed, provide some TLC.

Members meet every Wednesday in the Sure Start children’s centre in New Ash Green.

It is overseen by mums who live in the area, have breastfed themselves and completed an eight-week training programme to become peer supporters.

The group has been set up as part of a Kent County Council Public Health-backed infant feeding initiative.

One of the peer supporters is 28-year-old Lucy Aspinall. “I had a difficult time breastfeeding when my son, Leo, was born and it was only because of people I had access to through peer support that I was eventually able to be successful at it.

“Leo is 17 months old now and I am still feeding. As soon as I saw they were offering local training to become a peer supporter I wanted to pay back some of the help I had been given.”

The group started last month and meets from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Karla Perry, who lives in New Ash Green, said the role of such support groups was “amazing”.

“When I was pregnant with Isabelle I knew I wanted to breastfeed and I spoke to Lucy about it.

“I had quite a few problems with Isabelle and Lucy would just bombard me with messages but it was the best thing ever.

“It was really helpful. I think every mum goes through problems (with feeding) and when you’re a first-time mum it’s quite daunting and scary.

“But to have someone to talk to and for them to say it’s ok, you are doing it, is very important. Lucy was that person for me and without that kind of support I wouldn’t be breastfeeing now.”

As well as helping mums, the group is also aimed at providing pregnant women with information and addressing any concerns such as feeding in public.

The group welcomed the news that Starbucks had signed up to a campaign by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) to encourage businesses to do more to help those feeding children, whether by breast, bottle or high chair, through its 800 UK outlets, including Bluewater.

Peer supporter Claire Essery, 32, said: “This can be especially hard for some mums, particularly in the first few days when you are learning and the baby is learning.

“Some mums can feel really self-conscious. so to have somewhere where you are welcome, feel comfortable and can feed baby does wonders for confidence, and helps ‘normalise’ something that is normal.”