Breastfeeding Peer Support
Breast Buddies are mothers or grandmothers who are passionate about breastfeeding, have successfully breastfed at least one child and have a desire to help other mothers in their local community do the same. This is achieved by facilitating a local mother to mother support group, by building confidence and developing connections.
What does this role involve?
- Meeting, greeting, and supporting parents at face-to-face breast-feeding peer support groups
- Sign posting to relevant services and groups
- Promoting supervision topics and displaying relevant literature
- Keeping group resources up to date
- Assisting with setting up and tidying away the room and resources
- Normalising breast feeding in the community
Skills Required:
- Experience of having breastfed a child (either currently or in the past). All ages are welcome.
- A non-judgemental and friendly approach
- Good communication skills and the ability to relate to both adults and children in a virtual and a face-to-face breastfeeding peer support group setting
- Reliable, with the ability to be flexible and adapt to different situations
Frequency/commitment of the role:
Breastfeeding support groups take place on weekdays and are based in a variety of venues across Worcestershire including Family Hubs. Times and days of each group vary by location and drop-in sessions run for roughly 2 hours. You will be required to take part in at least 4 group supervision/update sessions each year alongside regular volunteering. Breastfeeding Peer Supporters should also be willing to commit to at least 1 year of volunteering as a trained Breast Buddy.
Training:
Prior to starting this role, you will be required to complete a 4-week training course (4 x weekly 2-hour sessions, including breaks) alongside the volunteer training processes required by the host organisation. Through training you’ll learn about how breastfeeding works, responsive feeding, & the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. You’ll also pick up lots of information on positioning, attachment, longer term breastfeeding, problem solving and communication skills.
Other details:
Breast Buddy Peer Supporters are mentored by the Starting Well Breastfeeding Team in addition to Peer Support and Volunteer Coordinators in Worcestershire. You can expect to receive regular support and supervision when carrying out your volunteer role including a comprehensive induction before you start.