Become a volunteer
Are breastfeeding and support important to you?
If you consider breastfeeding to be the norm for babies, and you think you can make a difference in breastfeeding families, then join us!
Nourri-Source Montreal's secret recipe, is listening, sharing resources, offering advice and, above all, giving time to help.
In order to continue responding to our families and offering them the personalized support they require, we need you!
Don’t wait any longer, become part of Nourri-Source Montreal's 300-strong network of volunteers!
Become a Breastfeeding Support Volunteer
You are a mother – or you identify as a mother – who…
- Lives on the island of Montreal
- Has at least 6 months of breastfeeding experience
- Likes to listen to and support families by telephone or in breastfeeding drop-ins
- Wants to get involved in your community
- Would like to volunteer flexibly
- Would like to increase their breastfeeding knowledge
You are ready to…
- Follow the four (4) training blocks online with a total duration of 13.5 hours (see details below)
- Adopt an attitude of non-judgment and respectf regarding families’ decisions
- Provide active listening, encouragement, and information to breastfeeding mothers and their families
- Get involved in prenatal meetings, breastfeeding drop-ins and activities in your sector
- Act according to the Code of Ethics of the Fédération Nourri-Source (available in French only)
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum period of one year
Words from a supported breastfeeding mother...
« My breastfeeding support volunteer was a reassuring presence as soon as I started breastfeeding.
She gave me information that was instrumental in allowing me to breastfeed for as long as I wanted.
She is a person I fully trust regarding to breastfeeding and this made (and still makes) a big difference for me! »
Become a support volunteer
You are a person who…
- Thinks that breastfeeding should be supported and encouraged
- Would like to give your time for a cause that is close to your heart
- Wishes to pass on your know-how and skills
- Is reliable, punctual and committed to a job well done
- Would like to be a part of a joyfulteam who always has lots of ideas!
You are ready to…
- Participate in the 3-hour training online which explains how Nourri-Source Montreal works, provides an overview of breastfeeding in Quebec, details the type of volunteering offered, and the describes the commitment required
- Offer your time regularly or occasionally depending on your availability and knowledge
- Support the team and other volunteers in their mandate
- Adopt an attitude that is non-judgmental and respectful regarding the decisions of each employee and volunteer
- Act according to the Code of Ethics of the Fédération Nourri-Source (available in French only)
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum period of six (6) months
Words from a Volunteer...
“It’s so rewarding to help other mothers during this intense period of breastfeeding.
Personally, it made me feel useful during my second maternity leave and I know that, for some mothers, it made all the difference. »
The Advantages of Becoming a Volunteer
- Get involved and make a difference in your community depending on your availability
- Be part of a vast support network
- Contribute to the normalization of breastfeeding and the emergence of a breastfeeding culture in Quebec
- Feel the gratification of helping families and making a difference to them during their breastfeeding journey
- Attend continuing education and organization events
- Benefit from reduced-price access to several conferences, symposia and training courses given by our partners
- Represent the organization during special activities or events
Aspiring Support Volunteer Information Session
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: online, on the secure Zoom platform
The purpose of this short information session is to introduce future support volunteers to Nourri-Source Montreal and to the commitment required.
The session is held in a small group, so you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
If you are interested in volunteering, you will be invited to fill out a volunteer profile questionnaire and register for the basic training for support volunteers.
Register by clicking on the link for the desired date among the following.
- Wednesday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m. (in French)
- Monday, May 13, at 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. (in French)
- Tuesday, June 4, at 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m. (in French)
- Thursday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. (in French)
- Wednesday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m.
Basic Training for Breastfeeding Support Volunteers
Duration : 13,5 hours
Location : online, on the secure Zoom platform
Due to the current pandemic, the training is given entirely online since April 2020.
Cost : free for Nourri-Source Montreal's aspiring support volunteers
Completely revised in 2019, the new support volunteer training includes basics of breastfeeding and active listening, as well as time for questions and group discussions.
The training aims to provide the knowledge and tools needed to begin mentorship and volunteer activities.
The training is offered in English and French and consists of three parts:
Volunteering at Nourri-Source Montreal and breastfeeding in Quebec (3h)
This first part allows the breastfeeding support volunteer to understand the context of her volunteer work. The functioning of Nourri-Source Montreal as well as the tools and resources available are presented. Then, the portrait of breastfeeding in Quebec is presented, which leads to some great discussions!
The basics of breastfeeding (6h)
This section is divided into two blocks, allowing the breastfeeding support volunteer to acquire relevant basic knowledge on breast anatomy and lactation physiology. It also addresses common breastfeeding issues and challenges from birth to weaning, enabling the breastfeeding support volunteers to support breastfeeding families appropriately, regardless of their personal journey.
Helping relationships and active listening (3h) and role playing (1,5h)
This last component is also divided into two parts. The first part consists of independently viewing videos on active listening and providing assistance. During the last block of training, the support volunteers will have the opportunity to discuss the content of the videos and to delve into certain concepts. Finally, the training ends with case studies and discussions to begin putting into practice what has been learned.
All four blocks must be taken to complete the basic training.
Please note that it is preferable to take all the blocks with the same group, but other arrangements can be made.
You will receive the links to register after attending the information session.
MONDAY and TUESDAY AFTERNOONS over 2 WEEKS from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Block 1 : Monday, April 8, 2024
- Block 2 : Tuesday, April 9, 2024
- Block 3 : Monday, April 15, 2024
- Block 4 : Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The Nourri-Source Montreal Sectors
The Nourri-Source Montreal network of breastfeeding support volunteers is divided into 15 teams, called "sectors".
In this way, the support volunteers work in collaboration with the CLSCs and community organizations in the area where they live.
In addition, support volunteers are matched with families in their community, whenever possible.
In each sector, some support volunteers will hold management positions.
They act as a bridge between their area and the Nourri-Source Montreal office.
There are many interesting and rewarding roles and responsibilities to share within the different sectors of the organization.
Inclusion Statement
« At Nourri-Source Montreal, we treat the uniqueness and diversity of each individual and family with great respect. We welcome all families: single-parent, adoptive, foster, ethnocultural, two-parent (regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity), blended, extended, polyparental, transgender, multi-parental, with children living with their parent(s) or not, etc. We value a diversity of people, values and perspectives in order to build a strong and inclusive community. ».