Has anyone trained as an NHS peer supporter?

[shelley72]

I was just wondering if anyone had done this, and what their experiences were? Was it very difficult? It is a long time since I studied anything, but I may have the opportunity in the Autumn to do this. Apparently the course is 12 weeks for a couple of hours a week - so that part doesnt seem to bad. Nothing is definite yet, but I am at the very interested / thinking about it stage so would be interested to see what others think?

I think it's done differently in each PCT, but I'm nearing the end of training in my area. I've a mixed response to the course delivery and content, but that's not for this thread! In terms of what I've got out of it, I definitely think it's worth doing.

I've met a whole new network of like-minded mothers, and will get the opportunity to work in groups, home visits and/or in hospital. The training has also been cathartic to say the least - more like group therapy on occasion, getting us all to exorcise any birth and BF demons we may carry on to our support of other new moms.

Our course is also 12 hours, 2 days a week, which isn't any hardship. It's actually been a nice way of breaking my brain back into learning before I go back to work! How much you apply yourself outside of the course is entirely up to you, but I'm up to my neck in research papers, National BF week publicity, group observation etc, and it's extremely fulfilling.

I have done both an NHS peer supported course and the ABM peer supported postal course.
Both about 3 or 4 years ago.

The ABT one was based on reading and writing responses to questions. I enjoyed the reading and research, didn't like the writing side and nearly didn't complete. Glad I did tho, as I think it gave me a depth of knowledge.

NHS one I did just as I completed the ABT one. it was the first course delivered by those particular HVs and midwifes. Good for meeting like minded women, good for getting the NHS accreditation to peer support alongside baby clinic. If I'd relied only on that course I would have had patchy knowledge . the course deliver wasn't great at managing discussion and sometimes there was too much anecdote and not enough evidence based information.
The NHS course was pretty easy , little formal stuff at all. I don't recall any written work. quite a bit of "roleplay" and "brainstorming" in small groups presenting back to the larger group.

I've tried!
Our PCT does more on the job sort of training, I believe.
I registered my interest in volunteering, did the PCT health and safety training day, got my CRB check, spoke about what days I could do...and haven't heard a peep since!
I haven't chased as am currently expecting DC#3 but hope one day I'll be involved!

I have done the local peer supporter training and further training with the ABM. My experience of the local peer support was that the training was very basic (too basic for me TBH)

I would heartily recommend training with the ABM, I have done the Mother Supporter (like a peer supporter type role) and I am now a trainee BFC. They are very friendly and I would say ideal if the NCT is not your sort of thing. IYKWIM.

Puddle I'm doing mine for free through the children's centre. You could ask at yours if you have one.

Yes you pay but not much. Something like 25 for mother supporter and 2 x 50 payments for BFC but you need to be a member of abm too. Reduced cost membership for low incomes. BFC training requires a commitment to man the phone helpline after completion. By all means PM me with any other Q's.

Sorry no pound signs am on phone!

Here is the details for the ABM courses.

I've gone down the same path at Minnie and agree that the NHS course was a bit short on information (and no opportunity to debrief personal experiences) but it was a good starting point.

about the ABM training, after you complete the course what happens? Do they put mothers in touch with you via the helpline or do you already need to be part of a group?

For the Mother Supporter, you would generally be attending a group or you could set up your own group if you wished.

As a BFC you agree to take phone calls for a certain number of shifts each week for their helpline, for at least 2 years. And you can work on the national helpline(which is staffed by ABM and Breastfeeding Network breastfeeding counsellors) AFAIK the NCT work only on their own helpline.

The Breastfeeding Network also offer training, as do the NCT, and La Leche League. Loads of options to check out

I chose the ABM because while study days are available, they are not compulsory, it is done from home(study modules). I would have huge difficulty getting childcare to go on a study day and I don't live near anywhere, IYKWIM! And I just kind of like the tone of them really, it's hard to explain. But they are very welcoming.

As you do further training, if you want to, the books do cost £££ though. I pick up what I can when I see a good offer but some are very hard to find second hand.

But I have found that the more I learn about it, the more enthusiastic I get. And I am not even feeding any babies these days.

But the whole BF process, it really is like magic when it's all going to plan.

am so sorry that ive only just had chance to come back to this and read this properly so thank you for all the replies. it is just the free course run by NHS through the childrens centre that i may be able to do. so it does sound kind of basic then, but then that may be a good starting point for me,even if just to get me thinking about further study / training.

i just know that without the help i had from my local group when DS was born all those years ago, i would have given up trying to BF him and wouldnt be sat now juggling a laptop and his wriggly little sister! i do feel quite passionate ~(i hope without being preachy) about BF and when it works out its fab, i just know how valuable it is to know when youre struggling that its not easy and that help is available.

thank you again for sharing your experiences .

I did the peer supporters' course and really enjoyed it. I don't staff the phone any more due to home/ work committments, but found it hugely rewarding when I did. Would thoroughly recommend, if you can spare the time.