Three infant feeding peer support volunteers – all mothers with personal experience of breastfeeding – will now be available on the maternity ward to help with promoting and sustaining breastfeeding among new parents.
More volunteers are in training and recruitment is ongoing for additional volunteers.
This dedicated support has been given evidence-based information to support mothers in the early days of feeding their babies offered through the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). They will provide invaluable support to mothers, giving advice and a listening ear in the early days of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is considered important because it provides babies with balanced nutrition, strengthens their immune system through protective antibodies, supports healthy growth and cognitive development. It also offers significant health benefits for mothers, including faster postpartum recovery.
Some mums struggle with breastfeeding because it can take time for both mother and baby to learn, and issues like latching difficulties, soreness, low milk supply or tiredness after birth can make it harder. With the right support and reassurance, most challenges can be eased.
Ruth Griggs, Specialist Infant Feeding Co-ordinator, at The QEH said “One of my biggest passions is to support women to successfully breastfeed their babies and make informed choices around their feeding options.
“I am very excited to be establishing this service. The team all bring their own experience, passion and enthusiasm to the role. It can sometimes feel intimidating to ask questions of a professional but chatting to a volunteer who has the time to talk and can take a more informal approach, helps to develop connection, and break down barriers.
“As a staff member it is amazing to get to work alongside such dedicated individuals who give their time to support other women. I hope that as this service grows, I get to meet many more kind, passionate, individuals who want to support our team at The QEH to offer this wonderful feeding support to as many families as we can.”
Voluntary Services Manager, Jo Rowe, said “It has been my pleasure to develop this service with Ruth and the wider Infant Feeding Team. Establishing a role such as this helps to demonstrate the range of help and support volunteers can offer beyond the traditional view of volunteering roles. These specially trained volunteers will add a huge amount to the efforts of our infant feeding team.
“Our volunteers have all had different feeding journeys, but all share a passion to help other women. To watch them grow in confidence and become part of the ward team is a great thing to witness.”
Could you help?
More volunteers are needed. If you are passionate about breastfeeding and would like to support new parents, you can train as a breastfeeding peer support volunteer with Team QEH Maternity by emailing volunteerapplications@qehkl.nhs.uk to express your interest.
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Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
Image caption: Left to right: Jo Rowe, Elizabeth Judge, Ruth Griggs and Laura Patrick.
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