Become a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Support parents and babies on their breastfeeding journey
Volunteering with our Infant Feeding Support team
We understand that the journey of infant feeding is unique for every parent and baby. Our team of staff and volunteers support parents antenatally one to one, in person and on zoom workshops. Once baby arrives we offer telephone and home visit support. We can also visit you at home. We are in community spaces, baby groups and baby weigh clinics and on Tameside and Oldham Hospital post-natal wards.
We are committed to providing evidence-based information and practical support, empowering parents to make informed choices about how they feed their baby.
We offer a 10-week, one morning a week Togetherness training course, which is accredited. The course can be a great route to gain skills, confidence and experience to take forward in your career. The course is designed to be accessible to all women, whatever your previous experience of education. Your baby will be made very welcome on the training.
You’ll need to have breastfed for at least 3 weeks yourself, and be able to commit to 12 months of volunteering following your training, ideally for 2-3 hours each week. To find out more, please call our Volunteer Co-ordinator Leila Dawson for an informal chat on 07803 699 360, or complete our enquiry form and Leila will get in touch!
What could I be doing as a breastfeeding peer support volunteer?
Support in the community
Support mums and babies in the community, at weighing clinics, and parent-and-baby groups
Support on the ward
Be there to offer support to parents during those crucial first moments with their newborn.
Share our message
Help us spread the word about breastfeeding, and make sure parents can find the support they need.
Work with our communities
Help us bring more businesses and organisations on board to support breastfeeding.
Ready to apply?
Our BfN-accredited training courses begin in September every year, so our volunteer applications open a few months before.
You’ll need to have breastfed yourself for at least 3 weeks, and we ask that you can commit to volunteering for at least 12 months following your training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Infant Feeding Support all about?
Infant Feeding Support, provided by Home-Start HOST, offers comprehensive assistance to parents in Tameside & Oldham on their unique journey of infant feeding.
We collaborate with the Breastfeeding Network to provide information, guidance, and compassionate support to empower parents in making informed choices about feeding their babies.
What services does Infant Feeding Support offer?
We offer a range of services, including support on the ward at Tameside General Hospital, one-to-one support through home visits and phone calls, breastfeeding support groups in the community and partnership working with midwives and health professionals to ensure holistic care.
We also offer antenatal information sessions around infant feeding choices.
How can I receive support from Infant Feeding Support?
You can reach out for ward support at Tameside General Hospital, or give us a call on 07802 883 947 for one-to-one support through home visits and phone calls.
Join us at on of our support groups across Tameside and Oldham.
How can I get involved with Infant Feeding Support as a volunteer?
If you’re passionate about supporting parents on their breastfeeding journey, we’d love to hear from you! We run training courses regularly – call our Volunteer Co-ordinator Leila Dawson for an informal chat on 07803 699 360, or complete our enquiry form
Volunteers play a crucial role in helping mothers and babies with feeding in hospital, at groups, through home visits, and over the phone.
What training is provided for volunteers at Infant Feeding Support?
We offer an accredited 10-week, one morning a week Togetherness training course. The training is designed to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support families effectively, and can be a great route to gain skills, confidence and experience to take forward in your career. The course is designed to be accessible to all women, whatever your previous experience of education
Is the volunteer training program a recognised qualification?
Yes! The training program is a recognised qualification that can contribute to further education and employment opportunities.
What is the time commitment required for volunteers at Infant Feeding Support?
Volunteers are asked for a commitment of 12 months after completing the training program, with a typical commitment of 2-3 hours per week. This commitment ensures a consistent and reliable support system for the families we serve.