Mothers to offer breastfeeding support in new volunteer scheme

A group of 12 Orkney mums is ready to help guide folk through the challenges of breastfeeding after completing an online course to become peer support workers.

Orkney already boasts some of the highest rates of breastfeeding in Scotland, and these newly-recruited volunteers aim to boost this even further, as well as generally supporting mums to make the feeding choices that are best for them and their little ones.

As well as initiating a peer support group for breastfeeding, which meets by video conference each week, the 12 mums will also be on hand to share their valuable experience for any new or expectant mum past the 27th week of pregnancy who is looking for extra support or has questions when it comes to feeding.

Ashleigh, who is mum to six-year-old Brooklyn and 20-month-old Jack, said: “The training was done online because of COVID. It was actually quite intense really, trying to find the time to do the training online while having a family.

“We learnt about everything you could possibly think of and it gave us a really good grounding to help support other mums.”

For further information about the scheme, you can ask your midwife or health visitor.

You can also join the private Facebook group, Orkney Breastfeeding Support Group, if you’re a mum or mum-to-be.

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