Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other and can complement the work of specialist services by offering a more holistic approach. It works flexibly to adapt to the needs of the parent and their family receiving peer support.

Peer support comes in many different shapes and forms. It can be delivered one to one or in a group, in person or online and this support may be offered through home visits, remote telephone or video call, group work or support to access other local services.

• Meeting, greeting, and supporting parents at face-to-face breast-feeding peer support groups or in the hospital
• Sign posting to relevant services and groups
• Promoting supervision topics and displaying relevant literature
• Keeping group resources up to date
• Assisting with setting up and tidying away the room and resources
• Normalising breast feeding in the community
• A commitment of approximately 3 hours a week

Part of the role involves helping parents navigate feeding choices and what works for them and their family. Being positive advocates of breast feeding but respectful in infant feeding choices. Peer supporters may help run our infant feeding groups, develop groups in the community or offer 1:1 contact.