List of Publications | Latest Content | What's Important | Frequently Asked Questions

Breastfeeding peer support project

Appointment of a midwife to recruit, train and support mothers who have successfully breastfed to allow them to give home based support to mothers experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding.  Supportive environment aimed at reducing number of mothers who abandon breastfeeding.

Community mothers' peer support project

  • The community mothers' are registered volunteers with NHS Lanarkshire who have completed a 'breastfeeding training programme' after successfully breastfeeding their own children.
  • They volunteer some of their own time to provide information advice and support to pregnant women in antenatal clinics and breastfeeding mothers whilst in hospital and their homes.
  • In return they receive out of pocket expenses for travel ,telephone and child care costs. Creche facilities are provided whilst on the training course.

Why does North Lanarkshire need 'community mothers'

To enable more North Lanarkshire babies to enjoy 'better health' we aim to support mothers who wish to breastfeed and encourage more to choose breastfeeding .The support provided will be in addition to NHS professional support.

  • Research shows that breastfeeding gets babies off to a good start.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of chest and ear infections.
  • Lessens the chance of eczema and other allergies.
  • Protects against diarrhoea, gastro-enteritis and other tummy upsets.
  • Lowers the risk of diabetes.
  • Prolongs natural immunity to measles, mumps, polio and other diseases.
  • Breastfeeding is good for Mums too as it reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and fractured hips in later life.

How expectant women can access the service

Mothers to be can access the service by

  • Speaking to a volunteer at the antenatal clinic.
  • Filling in a referral form at breastfeeding workshop
  • Referral via midwife at antenatal clinic.
  • Self referral, by contacting the project directly.

New mothers can access the service

  • Through a volunteer visiting the maternity to offer support.
  • At home, referral from a community midwife to project.
  • Referral from a health visitor.
  • Self referral, by contacting the project directly.

Registering as a volunteer can be done directly , by phoning the project number or by completing a registration form, these are available through the health visitor or community midwife.

For futher information please use the box at the right hand side of the page.

A to Z of Content | Help | Site Map