Experienced mothers help new ones

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A team of mothers has been recruited by the NHS to help teach vital skills like breastfeeding to new mums.

The Community Mums service in Methil, Fife, has just trained its first four volunteer mothers. They will also offer advice on parenting and healthy eating.

The pilot scheme is the first of its kind in Scotland and is automatically offered to all first time parents.

Mothers who choose to accept the support then receive one hour-long home visit a month from the volunteers.

Chair of Community Mums, Sue Johnstone, said: "It's very difficult being a mum so I think any support, especially from other mothers, is very welcome and builds happier families."

Boost confidence

Volunteer Caroline Ovenstone has had three boys and said she appreciates how hard it can be for new parents.

She added: "We just make sure they're doing all right, boost their confidence and reassure them that they're going well."

The service has been formally launched at the Forth Park Maternity hospital in Kirkcaldy where the volunteers were helping with breastfeeding.

New mum Linda King said: "It's a very valuable service. If it wasn't for the service I think I'd have given up breastfeeding a long time ago and just the reassurance you need as a new mum. They've been a great encouragement."

The concept came from Dublin where a community mothers service began in the late 1980s. The city now has 170 volunteer mothers.