Midwives from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are appealing for volunteers to help support women to breastfeed.

Potential volunteers are invited to a meet-and-greet session on Thursday 24 October at 10am in the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Specialist Midwives believe that breastfeeding is the best start to life for babies and their mothers. Evidence shows that it benefits the health and emotional wellbeing of mothers and their babies, both in the short and long term.

Friendly volunteers from all over Worcestershire are invited to join a training programme to learn how to support pregnant women and new mothers.

The volunteer role will involve 15 to 20 hours of free training with specialist midwives, upon clearance of the standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Infant feeding lead Becky Davenport said: “Getting breastfeeding off to a good start can be difficult. By starting this network of trained volunteers, we will be able to offer new mums the help they need, when they need it.

“The volunteer programme is a great opportunity to work with NHS professionals, expand your knowledge and learn a lifelong skill – at the same time as contributing to your local community. There’s no experience necessary, but an interest in breastfeeding is essential. This will be the fourth year we have run this opportunity and many of our previous volunteers have gone on to do midwifery training.”

Mum, Verity Worthington, who was supported by a volunteer, said: “I was so grateful for the support I received when breastfeeding. In the first weeks I was so glad that I had a number to call and lovely support on hand. The volunteers and midwives all do brilliant work.”

Come along to the meet-and-greet on Thursday 24 October, from 10am – 11am in the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The hospital’s specialist infant feeding midwives, Becky and Caroline, will be on hand to answer questions and tell you about the training sessions.