MIDWIVES from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are appealing for volunteers to help support women who are breastfeeding.
Potential volunteers are invited to a meet and greet session on Thursday, November 2 in the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Breastfeeding, where possible, can be the best option for new mums and their babies.
Research has shown that it can reduce the risk of childhood infections, sudden infant death, obesity, diabetes and breast cancer.
In Worcestershire, 73 per cent of mothers start breastfeeding straight away, slightly below the national average of 80 per cent. And after the first six weeks, this drops to 44 per cent.
Friendly volunteers from all over Worcestershire are invited to join a training programme to learn how to support pregnant women and new mothers.
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.
Infant feeding lead Becky Davenport said: “Getting breastfeeding off to a good start can be difficult. By starting this network of trained volunteers, we will 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. This will be the third year we have run this opportunity and many of our previous volunteers have gone on to do midwifery training.”
The meet and greet runs from from 9.30am to 10.30am and the trust’s specialist infant feeding midwives, Becky and Caroline, will be on hand to answer any questions and explain about the training sessions to be held at venues across the county.
To attend, contact Caroline Payne on 07879 440264 or [email protected] or Becky Davenport on 07767 440971 or [email protected].
