About the role

What will I be doing?

Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers provide a huge amount of support to new parents, through offering additional time on breastfeeding techniques and encouragement. 

A breastfeeding qualification is a pre-requisite for volunteering in this role and is essential. Please contact us if you are interested in completing, but do not currently hold, a Breastfeeding Peer Support qualification as we can support you to achieve this.

Some of the main activities of the role include:

• Guide women to breastfeed their babies through showing breastfeeding positions, which may include some physical support, where appropriate
• Share information regarding how to recognise good attachment, effective milk transfer and normal feeding patterns
• Educate women with hand expressing technique and syringe colostrum collection. Ensure women understand how to effectively conduct breast massage
• Show how to use a breast pump when appropriate. Explain about sterilising techniques and the appropriate storage of breast milk
• Provide regular feedback to the midwife detailing the support given
• Liaise with hospital staff to help contribute to a positive experience for all patients

What skills will I need?

We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and passionate about supporting patients and staff at our hospitals. You’ll also find the following skills and qualities are particularly useful in this role:

• A friendly, positive and approachable manner
• Knowledge of the hospital layout or an interest to learn
• Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
• Work well within a diverse team
• Ability to follow instructions and be flexible
• Acting on your own initiative within set boundaries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to respond to patient needs in a proactive and caring way
• Ability to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time
• A breastfeeding qualification is a pre-requisite for volunteering in this role and is essential. Please contact us if you are interested in completing, but do not currently hold, a Breastfeeding Peer Support qualification. Course providers include but are not limited to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding Peer Support Training and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) Peer Supporter Course
• This role will be open to women only

What support will I get?

This fun and fulfilling volunteer role will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients during their time in hospital as well as developing your own skills.

At every step we’ll provide lots of support to help you in your volunteer role. You’ll have a member of hospital staff as your main contact as well as extra support from the volunteering team at your hospital. We’ll give you the chance to take part in additional training to further develop your skills and we’ll say thank you for all your fantastic efforts through our volunteering awards and regular newsletter. We’ll also reimburse you for your travel and food and drink costs during your volunteer shift.

How to apply

Before you can start volunteering with us, there are a few important steps.
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.

One more thing to remember. You’ll need to complete a DBS check to volunteer with us. Click the button below to find all the information you need.

Support with your DBS check

When you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to get started.

Apply Now: Not Yet Qualified Apply now: Already Qualified