NHS - Breastfeeding Buddy Volunteer
East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust
Breastfeeding Buddies are all parents who have breastfed/chestfed their own child for a minimum of three months. They provide infant feeding support and information to parents, and to those expecting a baby, with the aim of promoting breastfeeding / chestfeeding and close and loving relationships between parent and baby. Full training and support will be given to carry out this role.
Breastfeeding Buddies are all parents who have breastfed/chestfed their own child for a minimum of three months. They provide infant feeding support and information to parents, and to those expecting a baby, with the aim of promoting breastfeeding / chestfeeding and close and loving relationships between parent and baby. This role is available at various venues in Bedfordshire across Bedford Borough, Central Beds & Luton. Volunteering may take place in Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups, Family Hubs, Children's Centres & at Antenatal contacts / groups. With additional training, there is also the option to volunteer in Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Breastfeeding Buddy Volunteers: Complement the work of staff in supporting families to breastfeed / chestfeed their babies. Promote & support breastfeeding / chestfeeding and responsive infant feeding, with the aim of normalising breastfeeding / chestfeeding within the local community. Offer parents emotional and practical support with feeding their babies, using active listening skills to hear what the parent is saying and enable them to make informed choices. Signpost parents to midwifery, health visiting, Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups, Family Hubs, Children’s Centres, the Baby Friendly Team and other sources of support such as the National Breastfeeding Helpline and reputable online resources. Recognise their boundaries and ask for help from health staff, Children’s Centre / Family Hubs Teams or Baby Friendly Team when needed. To read the full role description and apply, visit: https://bttr.im/waw46
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Counselling
N/A
You must have breastfed/chestfed your own child for a minimum of three months. Volunteers will be required to attend Breastfeeding & Relationship Building training and complete all associated clinical practice exercises and assessments. We ask for a minimum of 12 months volunteering commitment after recruitment checks and training have been completed. Volunteers should be: Friendly and approachable. Compassionate, patient and non-judgemental. Have excellent communication skills and comfortable interacting with families, babies and young children. Volunteers will need to undergo recruitment checks in line with NHS Employers recommendations - including right to work and ID checks, DBS check, references and occupational health screening, as well as complete annual mandatory training.
The chance to support parents on their infant feeding journey. The opportunity to gain confidence and experience in an NHS environment. Ongoing training and support. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed. Recognition of the value you bring to our organisation. Support and guidance for those volunteers who wish to explore a career in the NHS. An enjoyable experience!
Average commitment expected to be two sessions a month, which is usually at least 3 hours per month - plus the option for more hours if desired.
N/A
This role is currently available at various venues in Bedfordshire across Bedford Borough, Central Beds & Luton. Volunteering may take place in Family Hubs, Children's Centres, Breastfeeding Support & Social Groups, local Hospital Maternity Units & Antenatal contacts / groups.
N/A
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