New Breastfeeding Peer Support Service Seeks Volunteers

‘Healthy Steps for Life’ is a three-year programme developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) to promote healthy lifestyles in early years (0-5 years). Part of this programme is to support breastfeeding in local communities through the establishment of a new breastfeeding peer support service.

‘Healthy Steps for Life’ is offering you the chance to join a new team of community-based volunteers who will provide support and advice to breastfeeding mothers in the Armagh, Dungannon, South Tyrone, Newry and Mourne, South Down and South Armagh areas.

Programme participants will be provided with a comprehensive package of training and support to become Breastfeeding Peer Supporters in their local community.

A Breastfeeding Peer Supporter is someone who has herself successfully breastfed and is available to support a breastfeeding mother in the local area.

Orlaith Moley, Project Manager with the Public Health Agency explains: “Breastfeeding research has highlighted the importance of new mums having access to good support and information in the early stages after birth to help build their confidence and overcome any problems they may have. This comprehensive package of training will provide the Peer Supporters with the knowledge and skills necessary to help mothers’ breastfeed successfully as well as giving them the confidence to promote breastfeeding in their own community.”

An information session will take place on Wednesday, 14th April 2010 from 10.30am – 12.00pm in the Public Health Agency’s Southern Office, Tower Hill, Armagh.