Press Release

17 October 2008

Women needed to support new mums with their breastfeeding

If you have ever breast fed a baby, and feel you could offer support to local mothers, then you could be just the person we are looking for.

Mid Essex Hospitals and the National childbirth Trust (NCT) are setting up a breastfeeding peer support programme for mothers who give birth in one of the birthing centres at St John’s, St Peter’s or the William Julien Courtauld hospitals.

Carole Hughes, midwife, said:  “We are looking for women who have breastfed their baby for at least three months and who want to help others to enjoy their breastfeeding experience.  We are only asking for women to give up a few hours at a time to work with new mothers in the local area.

“The aim of the programme is to help increase the uptake of breastfeeding by providing support and encouragement to new mothers, that the midwives don’t always have the time to do.  We know that it can sometimes be difficult to breastfeed, although we all know it is best for the baby.  That’s where the peer supporters come in as they can provide advice and support to new mothers by drawing on their own experiences.”

Anyone interested in becoming a peer supporter will be offered a full training programme, lasting between eight and ten weeks, with crèche faculties provided for their own children.  Each peer supporter will be asked to spend up to a few hours at a time working with new mothers and the families.

Carole adds: “Whilst we can’t give any payment to the peer supporters there are many other benefits that women can gain from this role.  Women who have been peer supporters in the past say it helps to improve their general confidence and gives them a sense of giving something back to the local community.”

If you would like to find out more about the programme, who would like to enrol on the next course that begins in January 2009, please contact:
 

Carole Hughes on 07887636731 or e-mail: carole.hughes@meht.nhs.uk

ENDS

Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948