Job overview

The Inpatient Infant Feeding Support Worker plays a vital role in promoting and supporting optimal infant feeding practices within the main maternity department. This position focuses on providing practical, emotional, and educational support to parents and caregivers during their inpatient stay, ensuring safe and effective feeding for newborns and infants before discharge.

The role is integral to upholding and advancing the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) standards within the maternity unit, helping to create a supportive environment that protects, promotes, and supports breastfeeding and responsive infant feeding.

Main duties of the job

• Offer guidance and hands-on support for breastfeeding, formula feeding, and expressing breast milk.
• Provide evidence-based information on infant nutrition, feeding techniques, and safe practices.
• Support families in overcoming feeding challenges, such as latching difficulties or low milk supply.
• Work collaboratively with midwives, health visitors, and lactation consultants to deliver consistent care.
• Conduct group sessions, and telephone support as required.
• Promote Baby Friendly Initiative standards and contribute to breastfeeding-friendly environments.
• Maintain accurate records and report progress to the clinical team.

Skills and Attributes:

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting families.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of infant feeding guidelines and safeguarding practices.

Qualifications:

• Experience in infant feeding support or related healthcare roles.
• Training in breastfeeding support (e.g., UNICEF Baby Friendly training) is desirable.
• Basic understanding of infant feeding policies 

Working for our organisation

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provide hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust. Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity. 

Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital is one of the busiest in London. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children’s Hospital at Home cares for children with long-term conditions without them having to come to hospital. 

Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we’re no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training. Croydon University Hospital plays an active role in training the clinicians of the future and works in partnership with major London universities 

If you want the opportunity to have a real impact, challenge yourself and be part of an NHS Trust then a career at Croydon Health Services could be just what you’re looking for.