IT is one of the most natural things in the world, a mother feeding and nurturing their child.

But breastfeeding is not always easy.

Mothers who have just given birth can then find they face a struggle to feed their babies.

And despite the recognised health benefits of breastfeeding, they move on to bottle feed their children.

Breastfeeding is recommended because breast milk contains antibodies which help babies fight off viruses and bacteria.

Breastfeeding also lowers a baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies and babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, without any formula milk have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and bouts of diarrhoea.

Now help is at hand from volunteers who have come together to help new mums.

Seven mothers have taken on a new role at Colchester General Hospital to encourage new mothers to breastfeed their babies.

The Colchester Volunteer Breastfeeding Supporters help women on the maternity ward offering them time, advice, guidance and support.

They also have plans to roll out their support programme and will visit the neonatal unit, delivery suite and midwife-led unit, as well as visiting mothers in their own homes.

The volunteers have been recruited by Sue Coltman, who is the infant feeding specialist midwife at the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust.

Miss Coltman said Colchester is the only hospital in Essex to have its own volunteer breastfeeding supporters.

She said: “Midwives often tend to focus on supporting women who are experiencing a complicated pregnancy and are not always able to sit down with women to discuss breastfeeding.

“The volunteers are not taking over the role of midwives but working with them on supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies.

“We’re still looking to recruit more Colchester volunteer breastfeeding supporters and plan to put on a training programme for them early in the new year.”

The seven volunteers, who have started the initiative on Lexden ward, underwent four training sessions.

One volunteer is Jess Stewart, 27, of Great Horkesley. She is still breastfeeding her daughter Rowan, who will be two in January, and is expecting her second child the same month.

She said: “Everybody knows breastfeeding is beneficial and I was set on doing it because I wanted to give my daughter the best possible start.

“As a volunteer, it’s important to give the women emotional support as well as showing them the best techniques.”

Mrs Stewart has an insurance job in London but is now interested in pursuing a career in midwifery.

All potential volunteers need to have had first-hand experience of breastfeeding their babies.

They are expected to do a half-day session a week, which can be in the evening or at weekends.

It is a voluntary role so there is no payment but the volunteers are able to park for free at Colchester General Hospital.

Anyone interested should contact Sue Coltman by emailing sue.coltman@colchesterhospital.nhs.uk.