International qualification for maternity worker

Jo Ingrouille has worked alongside the community midwives team for 18 years

A Health & Social Care maternity support worker from Guernsey has received an international qualification, service bosses say.

Jo Ingrouille, who has worked alongside the community midwives team for 18 years, has qualified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

To gain the qualification, Ms Ingrouille had to complete 95 hours of specialised lactation education, involving a year of study, and demonstrate at least 1,000 hours of breastfeeding support in the past five years.

Ms Ingrouille said the qualification would "help boost my work, enabling me to provide specialist advice".

Ms Ingrouille said: "It has been a privilege to help and support women from all backgrounds over the years and this qualification will help boost my work, enabling me to provide specialist advice to those needing (both breast and bottle) feeding support in the future.

"I have gained, not only extensive theoretical knowledge on how to succeed with breastfeeding, but also worldwide support and access to up-to-date knowledge that I am excited to pass onto families, and colleagues, in Guernsey."

Public Health associate director Alex Hawkins-Drew praised Ms Ingrouille for her commitment to supporting breastfeeding within the community.

He said: "Within the bailiwick, our community has been fortunate to benefit from the breastfeeding support that Jo has been consistently providing to parents for many years now.

"Gaining the IBCLC qualification is testament to her level of knowledge and skills within this area.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo for her commitment to continuing to provide this level of support and service."