Becoming a Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteer
Becoming a volunteer is a commitment, but one that you can fit around you and your home life. Reading the code of conduct below will help to give you some information about what is expected of you in the role of a volunteer.
Abbreviations
CNWL = Central & North West London Trust
THH = The Hillingdon Hospital
Code of Conduct
- the role of the Peer Supporter is to provide polite and friendly, evidenced based information rather than advice
- all Peer Supporters will have the experience of breastfeeding their own children
- as a Peer Supporter it is essential to be trustworthy and approachable, ensuring the use of listening skills
- Peer Supporters will have completed a Peer Supporters’ Training programme; having completed the required elements of the training and completed the DBS process prior to commencing support. If volunteering for CNWL in the Children’s Centres, you will be also be bound by the terms of an honorary contract. Further training will be given in safeguarding children, infection control, confidentiality and fire safety. Occupational health screening is also a requirement prior to commencing volunteer work
- all Peer Supporters will be mindful of importance of confidentiality. Confidentiality should be maintained both whilst volunteering and following sessions. Peer Supporters should adhere to the THH and CNWL confidentiality Policies where appropriate.
Confidentiality
It is important to stress to parents that in some circumstances it may be appropriate to pass relevant information to a trained professional if there are concerns which the Peer Supporter deems beyond their capacity. This may be appropriate for example in the case of safeguarding children and adults.
Supervision sessions
Peer Supporters will attend supervision sessions with the Infant Feeding Coordinators six times a year, either as part of a group or one-to-one. If these sessions are not accessible other arrangements should be made to ensure supervision is achieved. Supervision is essential to continue to volunteer. Individual circumstances will be negotiated but supervision is not optional.
Hours
Volunteer hours will be negotiable as and when circumstances allow; there is an expectation that the volunteer will fulfil the hours negotiated with the service lead.
Key skills and conditions
Peer Supporters should act with tact and sensitivity at all times, be non-judgemental, ensuring that respect and dignity are maintained at all times despite difference of opinion or lifestyle.
When offering practical breastfeeding support, volunteers are always to adopt a hands-off approach using a doll, knitted breast and visual aids.
Children will not be permitted to accompany you if you plan on volunteering in THH. If volunteering at a community drop-in please consider childcare options as it is often not permitted or suitable to have older children attending.
Peer Supporters should refer to appropriate professionals when in doubt or encountering situations beyond their remit of information giving. It may be appropriate to refer mothers to one of the national breastfeeding help lines for further assistance.
Documentation in the maternity records or child health record (red book) should be completed to ensure both continuity of information giving and maintain a record of the information given.
Personal telephone numbers should not be given to women who have received support - maintaining a professional distance is important.
Peer Supporters should communicate a positive message regarding healthcare professionals within Hillingdon (midwifery and health visiting service) despite any feelings of negativity regarding one’s own personal experience.
The Peer Support drop-in sessions should not be used to advertise or promote personal beliefs, other ventures or personal enterprises. Difficulties, problems or complaints should be taken directly to either of the Infant Feeding Coordinators.
Notice period
A month's notice is required when leaving the role as a peer supporter. You will be very much part of a team, and your services are extremely valued.
Qualification
You will receive a local qualification as a Hillingdon Breastfeeding Supporter having completed a 12-week programme of two hours a week, which is based upon the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Breastfeeding and Relationship Building course. In order to gain the qualification you must attend all 12 sessions.
The programme will include volunteer skills and boundaries in preparation to your new role. You will be trained to understand the mechanisms of breastfeeding and basic problem solving, in order to work alongside health professionals and children centre staff in supporting women and their families.
As part of either the children’s centre team or the hospital team, further training is required to bring you to a safe standard that is required as a member of staff.
A variety of training techniques may be used to ensure that you have the skills essential for your role. This may include e-learning, for example, which is a computer-based training package in safeguarding children. Alternatively, as a member of the hospital team, you may undergo a full day induction to the hospital, which is specifically for the volunteer role.
The training venue will be in a local children’s centre. Refreshments will be available and all buildings have wheelchair access.