MUMS who have breast-fed are being asked to share their knowledge and experience to help new mothers at Warrington Hospital as part of an innovative volunteer project.
Volunteers are being sought who can give up some of their time to work with the midwifery team on the wards in the Croft Wing at the hospital and help share their valuable experience and practical first-hand advice with new mums from across Warrington, Halton and the surrounding areas.
Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and evidence shows that it can help protect them from infection and diseases including ear and gastro infections, diabetes, eczema, asthma and even obesity problems. It also reduces mothers’ chances of getting certain diseases later in life.
More than 3,000 babies a year are born at Warrington Hospital and take up rates for breastfeeding have improved by 5 per cent in less than a year from 56 per cent to 61 per cent of new babies. However, the new approach is aiming to boost rates further and complements new training put in place for midwives.
Ann Marie Hatton, lead breastfeeding midwife at Warrington Hospital, said:
“There’s a lot of evidence to show that new mums appreciate the experience and guidance from other ordinary women who have been through the same experiences as them and can help guide them through initiating breastfeeding in a practical way.
“Breastfeeding is the best start for babies and the health benefits are clear but some mums take to breastfeeding straight away whilst for others it can be difficult and they need some extra support, guidance and the chance to chat and learn.
“We hope that this project will help us to do this and give the right kind of support that every mum needs.”
Previous training is not necessary as the hospital’s breastfeeding team will be providing basic training and hospital will cover travel costs.
If you’re interested in volunteering then please contact Ann Marie directly by email at [email protected] or by calling 07798 823850 during working hours on Monday – Thursday.
MUMS who have breast-fed are being asked to share their knowledge and
experience to help new mothers at Warrington Hospital as part of an
innovative volunteer project.
Mums asked to share their knowledge
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
