Voluntary support can make a real difference in the first months of motherhood, but it also has limits. Support workers are not expected to diagnose, treat or replace health and social care professionals. Their role is to listen, observe and help mothers access the right support when needed.
Recognising warning signs is therefore an important skill. A mother may need professional help if emotional distress becomes intense, persistent or begins to affect her daily life, her relationship with her baby or her ability to care for herself.
Through HUGS-Pro, Voluntary Support Workers learn not only how to provide compassionate support, but also how to understand their role, respect boundaries and guide mothers towards appropriate services when necessary. Effective support means knowing when to stay beside someone – and when to help them take the next step.
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