Training

Breast Buddies peer supporters are mothers who have had an experience of breastfeeding and are trained to provide informal parent to parent support to other mothers who are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding. Peer supporters do not give advice but offer up to date information so a mother can decide what is right for her.

The training is facilitated by an ABM breastfeeding counsellor and a Breast Buddy and includes communication and listening skills in addition to covering breastfeeding knowledge. There are lots of opportunities for discussion about the many issues facing breastfeeding women today and peer supporters discuss when to refer to a health professional or breastfeeding counsellor, confidentiality and safety issues.

The course provides a chance to improve skills which are useful in all walks of life, meet new people in a friendly environment and have fun!

All peer supporters have a CRB check and undergo ongoing training and support.

Quote by our tutor: Caroline, breastfeeding counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

Future training dates

Training is free.

The next training sessions will be held during September/ October. The dates and times are to be confirmed soon.

If you would like to attend this course then please complete an application form and email it to Kathryn at director@breastbuddies.org  

Once you have been accepted as a future Breast Buddy we will provide you with an information pack about the training sessions.

If you cannot make the proposed dates but would like to be a Breast Buddy then please complete the application form and let us know your availability. This is so that we can run future courses that meet your circumstances.

Once you have become a Breast Buddy the level of commitment is entirely up to you. We just ask that volunteers update the calendar on the 'Meet a Breast Buddy' page with details of their availability. It's also a case of talking to expectant and new mothers about breastfeeding whenever you can!

Many thanks for your interest in becoming a Breast Buddy!