Inpatient Infant Feeding Support Worker

CROYDON HEALTH SERVICES NHS TRUST; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Greater London is seeking an Inpatient Infant Feeding Support Worker to provide vital support for infant feeding practices within the maternity department. The role emphasizes emotional and practical assistance to families, promoting breastfeeding and safe feeding techniques. Key responsibilities include offering guidance, providing evidence-based information, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for newborns and infants. This position requires excellent communication skills and experience in infant feeding support.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience in infant feeding support or related healthcare roles.
• Training in breastfeeding support is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Offer guidance and hands‑on support for breastfeeding and formula feeding.
• Provide evidence‑based information on infant nutrition and safe practices.
• Support families in overcoming feeding challenges.
• Work collaboratively with midwives and lactation consultants.
• Conduct group sessions and provide telephone support as required.
• Promote Baby Friendly Initiative standards.

Skills

Compassionate and empathetic approach

Strong communication skills

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge of infant feeding guidelines

Experience in infant feeding support

Education

Training in breastfeeding support

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Attributes & Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

About the Organisation

Croydon is a busy, exciting and diverse place to work. The borough has one of the youngest populations in London and continues to grow. Croydon Health Services cares for local people at Croydon University Hospital, Purley Memorial Hospital and in clinics and people’s homes all across the borough. We are a very close‑knit and friendly organisation where everyone of our 3600 members of staff is valued. We strongly believe that our employees are our greatest asset and so through Listening into Action – our way of engaging staff – we empower everyone at any level to initiate and bring about real improvements in our care.

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 1 st 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.