Job Description

Here is an exciting opportunity for you to wokr with us a Infant Feeding Support Worker.



You will be key member of the multidisciplinary team; with their specialist knowledge they will support midwives in providing an insightful family-centred service based on current evidence and research.



You will provide evidence-based support for infant feeding, and act as a resource and support for mothers in the initiation, establishment and development (maintenance) of breastfeeding both on the postnatal ward and occasionally in the community. IFSW will support bottle feeding mothers by providing information on safe and responsive formula feeding before discharge from the hospital.



The Infant Feeding Support Worker will actively seek the views of women and their families on the understanding of their care needs in relation to infant feeding and building a relationship with their new baby by way of undertaking audit. You will assist the Infant Feeding Team, Registered Midwives and other members of the multidisciplinary team in implementing care plans to support infant feeding. You will also undertake some clerical and domestic duties to ensure a safe environment.



If this interest you apply now.



Having undertaken and successfully completed the agreed training requirements.



To support families with breastfeeding on the inpatient wards as well as in the community in line with the Unicef BFI Standards.

Can manage their own workload to prioritise mothers and babies with the highest need.

Promote responsive feeding for breast and bottle feeding families. If a managed approach, discuss a realistic feeding plan with the family, escalate concerns to the Midwife and document the ongoing care plan.



To support families with feeding when being readmitted for feeding support or other conditions which poor feeding may have been a contributing factor i. e. weight loss

Ensure availability, cleanliness and maintenance of equipment including pump equipment, reading materials and storage of milk products

Support infant feeding team with smooth running of tongue tie clinics including booking appointments and triaging referrals.

Attending infant feeding drop in clinics if required.



Work within national and local guidelines and be aware of infant feeding policies

To ensure all clinical areas and resources are compliant with the International Code for the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes at all times.

Following appropriate training to undertake group health promotion to women and families as agreed with ward/departmental managers, in line with national frameworks and initiatives.



We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.



From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.



We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress.



Behaves in a professional manner and ensures effective communication with colleagues, women and their families. Being respectful of feeding choices and sensitive towards challenging circumstances



Works to promote individualised care plans, specific to the needs of the woman and her family, acting as her advocate within the multidisciplinary team in the absence of the midwife with promotion of individual feeding choices



Carry out feeding assessments on women and babies if there are concerns, carry out clinical observations and report all finding to the registered midwife . Escalating any concerns in a timely manner



Acts to ensure the BFI Standards are being upheld and working within the code for the marketing of breastmilk substitutes



Participates in the collection and recording of written and electronic data, in line with Trust guidelines and policies



Is able to converse with families about external services available including signposting for further support



Acts as an advocate for the department, in promoting respectful and flexible team working across areas



Proactively, consistently and meaningfully demonstrates the Trust values in their day-to-day interactions with colleagues and service users.



For full details refer to the JD attached.