Infant Feeding Support

Supporting parents and babies with feeding in hospital, at groups, through home visits, and over the phone.

About Infant Feeding Support

At Home-Start HOST, we understand that the journey of infant feeding is unique for every parent and baby. That’s why we are proud to offer comprehensive Infant Feeding Support to all parents through; Antenatal and Baby Weighing Clinics, Ward Support , One-to-One Support and Partnership Working. Our team is committed to providing information, guidance, and compassionate support to empower parents in making informed choices about feeding their babies.

Our Support Groups

Our Peer Support Groups take place at Family Hubs and other community locations in Tameside & Oldham, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among parents. The service also collaborates closely with midwives and health professionals, ensuring a seamless pathway of care for parents seeking guidance and support.

Our Support Services

 

 

Support in the community

Our dedicated team is available at support groups throughout Tameside and Oldham to help with your questions and concerns.

 

 

Ward Support

Our support extends to Tameside General Hospital, ensuring you have assistance during those crucial first moments with your newborn.

 

 

One-to-One Support

Our team is available through home visits and phone calls to assist you at any point in your breastfeeding journey.

 

 

Partnership Working

We collaborate with midwives and health professionals to provide a seamless pathway of care, ensuring you receive holistic support that complements your overall well-being.

Breastfeeding Peer Support Groups & Breastfeeding-Friendly Spaces

Find a Breastfeeding Support Group near you – our Peer Supporters will be there to offer nurturing help and support.  You can also check out our directory of Baby Welcome and Breastfeeding-Friendly venues across Tameside & Oldham, for when you’re out and about with baby.

Infant Feeding Resources

Resources & Information Videos

Videos & online resources for breastfeeding parents

Breastfeeding & Baby Welcome Spaces

Local venues welcoming breastfeeding parents, and information about Baby Welcome

Book on Antenatal Breastfeeding Basics (online)

Book a free place on our online antenatal breastfeeding information course

Volunteering with Our Infant Feeding Team

 

Our volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters help parents and babies with feeding in hospital, at groups, through home visits, and over the phone.  We run a Breastfeeding Network-accredited training course each September, 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.  The course is a recognised qualification, which can help towards further education and employment opportunities, and is designed to be accessible to all women regardless of previous levels of education.

FAQ

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 out training course every September, and application usually open aroung April.  Give us a call on 0161 344 0669 for a chat, fill out an application, or sign up to our mailing list to be notified when applications open!

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?
Volunteers undergo training delivered in partnership with the Breastfeeding Network (BfN), leading to them becoming BfN registered Breastfeeding Helpers and Home-Start Volunteers.

The training is designed to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support families effectively.

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.  It is accredited by the Open College Network (London), and is designed to be accessible for all women, regardless of previous qualifications or experiences.

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.

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