A group of mums have signed up to become breastfeeding support volunteers at Watford General Hospital.

The 18-strong team of “breastfeeding peer support volunteers” underwent a 12 week course to prepare them to work on the maternity wards, and have been trained by a group volunteer health professionals.

The peer supporters will encourage and support new mums to breastfeed their babies while they are in hospital.

The West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust celebrated the completion of the volunteers’ training with a ceremony on Saturday where Dr Gloria Rowland, head of midwifery and gynaecology, presented certificates to each member.

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One of the successful mums was Helen Birch, who recently praised her maternity care while at the hospital after the sudden death of her partner.

Olga Danyluk Singh, a mother of three and the driver of the peer support group, said: “Our peer support group is a wonderful collective project, which isn't just a dream anymore thanks to many selfless, giving, courageous and passionate women. I am so honoured to work with them all.”

Kay Barber, infant feeding co-ordinator, said: “This really is a massive achievement for all of the mums involved. Our new peer supporters will be able to stand by the sides of new mums and offer practical and emotional support.

“The hospital is working towards the UNICEF baby friendly Initiative (BFI) awards, and we hope to achieve the stage 1 award early next year. The aim of the initiative is to protect and promote breastfeeding and close, loving parent-infant relationships.”