Table 1 Topics in the RUBY volunteer training manual

Section i

About the study

• Which organisations are involved in the study?

• How many women will be involved?

Section ii

Being a RUBY volunteer mother

• What will be expected of me?

• Who can be a volunteer?

• What is the role of the volunteer coordinator?

• Who will I contact if I no longer want to be involved in the study?

• What do I do when the period of support ends?

• Who will support me?

Section iii

Getting connected – staying connected: developing a relationship with the new mother

• Getting connected

• Staying connected

• How much time will it take to “stay connected”?

• Developing a relationship with the mother

Section iv

Skills and techniques to effective telephone support

• Learning about respecting other people’s values and cultural beliefs

• Language – what are we really saying

• Building confidence

• Listening

• Empathy is showing a mother you understand

• Babies – what is normal

• Breastfeeding and work

• Practising being a volunteer breastfeeding supporter – role plays

Section v

Resources and support services