Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer

 

Come and support new mothers in your community. This role offers peer support to mothers, to support, promote and protect breastfeeding.

Availability

Various locations across Merton and Wandsworth, shifts will be for 4 hours per week. 

 

Role duties: 

  • As part of the team you’ll listen to mothers experiences and worries about breastfeeding
  • Provide evidenced based information rather than advice and own opinions
  • Mothers are to be offered relevant information and supported in their choices
  • Direct mothers to appropriate health care professionals (i.e. Breastfeeding Support Champion, Infant Feeding Lead, Health Visitor, GP)
  • Provide mothers with contact details of local breastfeeding support services
  • Deal in a courteous and sensitive manner with women, relatives and others with who you come into contact with
  • Communicate effectively with women and others
  • Work within recognised best practice standards for breastfeeding as recommended by UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative and NICE Guidance
  • Meet with the Team Lead on a regular basis.
  • To attend any training and update sessions to ensure continued learning about breastfeeding and best practice for delivering effective peer support.
  • You’ll maintain confidentiality at all times.
  • You’ll understand your boundaries in this role and will not take part in inappropriate activities such as offering clinical care or giving parenting advice etc.
  • All peer supporters at a breastfeeding group are required to ensure the Mother Registration Forms and group registration forms are completed

Skills and experience: 

  • We welcome applications from those who have a qualification in breastfeeding support such as Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Peer supporter or Breastfeeding Counsellor. Breastfeeding Network Peer supporter/Helper. La Leche League Leader. Or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
  • You’ll be self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently
  • You’ll be punctual and dependable
  • You’ll have a professional and friendly demeanour
  • If you speak an additional language other than English please let us know so that we might pair you with any mother who speaks that language also
  • This role is open to female volunteers
  • This role is ideally suited to people who have had experience of breastfeeding, but if you have a particular interest in supporting breastfeeding you are welcome to apply.
  • This role is open to volunteers aged 18 or over