Our Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers (BPSV) provide non-judgemental information and support for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. They support the mother in her choices.
BPSVs report to the Infant Feeding Peer Support Coordinators. They work within out Breastfeeding Peer Support Groups. These take place in person and virtually across Cornwall. You can find more about where they take place on our support group and clinics page.
Main duties include:
- providing support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers
- promoting breastfeeding as opportunities arise
- facilitating breastfeeding support groups and offer breastfeeding support and information as mothers require
- attending ante-natal education classes and making contact with ante-natal mothers
- attending local activities and offering breastfeeding support and information
- communicating with the Peer support Coordinator 1:1 on a regular basis
Knowledge and Skills required
Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer is able to:
- discuss the anatomy and physiology of the breast how breastfeeding works
- support and encourage the normal course of breastfeeding
- provide evidence-based information within their remit of common challenges eg
- positioning and attachment
- signs of effective feeding, and
- signpost appropriately for complex problems eg
- tongue tie
- low milk supply
- over supply
- weight gain concerns
- re-lactation
- suspected allergy
- be able to recognise when referral is needed and the appropriate referral pathway
- recognise safe-guarding concerns and follow safe-guarding pathway
- be able to use a range of appropriate communication skills for one-to-one conversations and group work
- adhere to Breastfeeding Peer Support in Cornwall’s Volunteer Policy
- access online training with a good working knowledge of IT
- understand and appropriately signpost to Family Hub activities
- be proactive and welcoming
- develop a Personal Development Plan with an Infant Feeding Peer Support Coordinator
The Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer role does not include:
- giving advice
- supporting mothers with complex breastfeeding problems unless supporting a family to follow an agreed feeding plan. These are agreed with the HCP (midwife, health visitor, GP, paediatrician) or breastfeeding specialist (IBCLC or infant feeding lead)
- providing support outside of the Breastfeeding Peer Support in Cornwall Volunteer Role. Role support is through our Breastfeeding Peer Support in Cornwall Facebook Group, virtual groups, 1:1 virtual support or Breastfeeding Peer Support in Cornwall Breastfeeding Groups
Volunteer commitment requirements include:
- successful completion of accredited peer support training course
- successfully breastfed at least one child (success is defined by mother)
- attend a minimum of four Enrichment Sessions in a calendar year
- have an up to date Enhanced DBS and have completed yearly update training in line with Unicef's Baby Friendly Initiative
- complete our mandatory training on safeguarding, information and governance and any other relevant training
- complete our volunteer induction training
- agree to be on the roster as a peer supporter for at least two sessions per month
- work within the boundaries of the role
- yearly skills assessment
- annual signing of Breastfeeding Peer Support in Cornwall Volunteer Peer Support Policy
- maintain contact with named Infant Feeding Peer Support Coordinator and ensure contact details are up to date