Breast feeding volunteers at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Twelve volunteers will be providing extra breastfeeding support at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital later this month.

The breastfeeding helpers will be on hand to offer support and advice for new mothers. The volunteers have all undertaken training provided by the Breastfeeding Network (BfN) charity, and completed a nationally recognised qualification with the Open College Network as well as a two day Breastfeeding Management course.

The helpers are aimed to complement and enhance the care given by the midwifery staff on the maternity unit at the N&N.

Luisa Lyons, infant feeding co-ordinator, said: “Throughout history women have supported their peers during pregnancy, childbirth and mothering. There is much evidence to suggest that mothers are more likely to start and continue breastfeeding if they are supported by someone who is confident, both in breastfeeding and in the ability of the mother to be successful. With the help of our volunteers it is hoped that this will enable more women to breastfeed successfully and more importantly continue to enjoy breastfeeding once they leave the NNUH”.

Sally Knights, voluntary services manager, added: “Our maternity and neonatal services are very committed to supporting breastfeeding and were really keen to develop a new volunteer role to work alongside our midwives and MCA’s to further assist mothers in our care.”