MIDWIVES from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are appealing for volunteers to help support pregnant and new mothers to breastfeed.
Potential volunteers are invited to a meet-and-greet session on Thursday 6 March from 10am to 11am in the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Specialist midwives believe that breastfeeding is the best start to life for babies and their mothers. Evidence shows that it benefits the health and emotional wellbeing of mothers and their babies, both in the short and long term.
Friendly volunteers from all over Worcestershire are invited to join a training programme to learn how to support pregnant women and new mothers with the skill of breastfeeding.
The volunteer role will involve 15 to 20 hours of free training with specialist midwives, upon clearance of the standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Specialist Midwife and Infant Feeding Advisor, Becky Davenport said: “Getting breastfeeding off to a good start can be difficult. This network of trained volunteers helps us to be able to offer new mums the help they need when they need it.
“The volunteer programme is a great opportunity to work with NHS professionals, expand your knowledge and learn a lifelong skill – at the same time as contributing to your local community. There’s no experience necessary, but an interest in breastfeeding is essential.
We’re delighted to be offering this opportunity again and many of our previous volunteers have gone on to do midwifery training.”
Previous volunteer Bethany said: “Being a breastfeeding friend volunteer has given me a massive sense of pride.
“After embarking on the journey of breastfeeding myself, I became extremely passionate about helping others on their journey. I enjoy my time on the postnatal ward meeting all the lovely new families and providing them with lots of useful information about breastfeeding.”
Those interested in supporting new mothers are invited to a meet-and-greet on Thursday March 6 from 10am in the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where the hospital’s specialist infant feeding midwives, Becky, Caroline, and Julia will be on hand to answer questions and talk about what is involved in the training sessions.
Contact Becky Davenport on [email protected], Caroline Thunder on: [email protected], or Julia Lyons on: [email protected] for more information and to register.
