Maternity Mate
Sister Circle
WHFS and the Maternity Mates service supports the rights of all women to have a positive experience throughout pregnancy and childbirth. The aim is to provide one-to-one practical and emotional support to expectant mothers throughout the latter stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the first few weeks of family life. It is hard to comprehend how difficult it is to be unsupported during pregnancy and childbirth. The experience of these months influence and stay with the family for a lifetime.
To give the mother-to-be practical and emotional support, before, during and after the baby is born, including: ▪ Calling, Video-calling or texting her on regular basis as mutually agreed. ▪ Meet or visit her if mutually agreed, observing social distancing in line with Governmental guidelines. ▪ Jointly attend antenatal classes and appointments, if required. ▪ Provide information on birth planning and pain relief options. ▪ Act as birth partner if appropriate – support throughout the labour and birth. ▪ Information and support around breastfeeding. ▪ Active listening. ▪ Advocate for her if necessary or appropriate. ▪ Give encouragement and motivation. ▪ Respect her wishes; ▪ Signpost and/or enable her to access appropriate services and/or specialist groups. • To be able to develop positive relationships with: ▪ The mum-to-be. ▪ The Maternity Mates team, WHFS staff, and other volunteer Maternity Mates. ▪ The community midwives. ▪ Hospital staff and other health professionals. ▪ Other expectant mothers. • Keep all information confidential and all records up-to date. • Keep in touch with Maternity Mates staff including: ▪ Informing Maternity Mates of scheduled visits with mums and following procedures in line with lone working policy ▪ Recording feedback after each visit to mums using the electronic links provided ▪ Seeking advice whenever needed • Attend supervision sessions with the Project Coordinator. • Attend Reflective Practice & Emotional Wellbeing (group supervision) and Peer support group sessions. www.whfs.org.uk Page 2 of 2 Maternity Mates – Task description • Follow WHFS’ policies, procedures, boundaries, and report any safeguarding issue to the Maternity Mates team. • Attend organisational mandatory training (Personal Safety/Lone working and Safeguarding) Maternity Mates cannot offer: • Any clinical advice or perform any medial tasks. • Domestic cleaning, shopping or cooking. • Babysitting services. • Any legal, immigration or financial advice. • To undertake any financial transactions or offer financial assistance. • Meet the mums or accompany them outside the local borough. • Drive mums to and from appointments.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Good IT Skills, Language Skills
- Ideally be friendly and welcoming as some women may be from a different country or have mental health issues - Non judgmental and Flexible - Easy to speak to and approachable - Committed and reliable - Successfully complete DBS and reference checks - Good written and spoken English - Commitment to completing training course - Be able to attend births
- Joy of supporting a pregnant women and making the difference. - Develop your coaching, communication, and relationship building skills. - References from us for your professional development. - Volunteer expenses reimbursed in line with our policy - Use of mobile phone when supporting a mother.
Training days are Wednesday and Thursday for 5-6 weeks. When supporting mothers 2-3hours a week (whatever is decided)
E1 5HU
Sister Circle Brady Arts Centre 192 Hanbury Street London
Training is done in our Whitechapel office and partially online, the ladies would be supporting women in there boroughs.
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