TIKTOK - as per your advice I have spoken to HV about possibility of becoming a BF peer supporter :-)

[InTheBin]

She was very positive about it, but we are v rural and there aren't that many babies born here . Am waiting to hear back from the nearest big town hospital as they're the ones who will decide if I'm needed or not. Either way, HV said that she would love it if I went along to some ante-natal classes with the baby to chat to pg mums about BF (esp the things they might be too nervous to ask a HCP, like what do you do if you need to feed outside) - she also said that it would be great if she could say to new mums "look, there's X who lives nearby and she's really positive about BF so if you want to chat to her..."

That's great, IntheBin

You'll be helped and supported with proper training though....I am a bit about the benefits of going into a hospital and offering to help people without some careful preparation. Just having bf yourself is not enough. Chatting to an antenatal class about your personal day to day experiences may not be quite so difficult.

If your HV is really keen to support bf she will investigate the possibility of starting a peer supporter programme

Sorry I wasn't very clear in OP! The big hospital are the ones who will implement the training programme so I can be a proper peer supporter, not just some bird going in to the hospital to talk to new mums (its me by the way, I namechanged yesterday!)

HV said they were looking for peer supporters in my area a couple of years ago but nobody was interested, but she hasn't heard from them since: she doesn't know if they still NEED a peer supporter in my area or not so thats what we are waiting to hear. IF they DON'T need one, then the HV suggested I could go along to ante natal classes with the HV. She is very clued up on BF, my HV, gives proper, good advice adn is very hands off unless you want her to be hands on (iykwim)

Great, I get you now Sounds good and hope it works out!