Training application Form - ABM Mother Supporter course

How to apply

Please download the reference form here and obtain a reference from someone who knows you professionally (ie. In a work context, friends and family are not suitable referees), once complete, have them return it to you then upload it where prompted when you complete the application form.
Complete and submit the application form below. Do not submit your application without uploading your reference.
Please don’t order/purchase this course online without being formally accepted or you risk losing your fee.
Although you may be able to purchase the course on our courses portal, your enrolment isn’t complete until we have received your application and verified your reference.

Before applying please read:

Important: The ABM Mother Supporter course is for mothers who want to support other breastfeeding mothers voluntarily. It is not available for anyone who is a health professional in the field of infant feeding, or anyone who works in an infant-related job. This may also apply to people who work privately in postnatal support, baby massage, hypnobirthing and other jobs supporting new mothers. Please include this information in your answer to question 2.

Your Details:

Unique Reference*: Please enter todays date (DD/MM/YY) followed by your initials (This will be your unique reference)

Referee*: Please upload your reference file

Questions:

1: The ABM is a mother-to-mother organisation. It's essential that you've breastfed for at least six months before applying so that you've already met and coped with major stages e.g. growth spurts. We expect that you would have thought about starting (and introduced at least some) solid foods to your baby by the time you complete the course so you have personal experience of this stage. Please confirm that you have reached this requirement. YesNo

2: I confirm I am not a health professional, student or been accepted onto a course in the field of infant feeding, or anyone who works in an infant-related job No, I am not an infant-feeding related health professional, student or been accepted onto a course in the field of infant feedingYes I am (please contact admin@abm.me.uk to discuss alternative courses)

3: Please tell us about your life outside motherhood, particularly if it involves pregnant women or new mums, and your work (paid or voluntary)

4: What were your experiences of pregnancy and giving birth?
Type here:

5: What was your experience of breastfeeding? (from a practical and emotional point of view)
Type here:

6: What was your experience of weaning your breastfed baby onto solids, and (if applicable) weaning from the breast?
Type here:

7: Did you have any breastfeeding problems and how did you cope with them?
Type here:

8: If you had the chance, would you do anything different next time? (with regard to parenting and/or breastfeeding)
Type here:

9: Have you read any books on breastfeeding and childcare? Which did you find helpful and why?
Type here:

10: Why do you want to study the ABM Mother Supporter module?
Type here:

11: What you see yourself doing in two years’ time? Please let us know if you plan to train or work in an infant-feeding related role.
Type here:

12: Do you speak any other languages fluently? If so, which ones?

13: Please confirm that you understand you will have twelve weeks to complete this course.
Students have twelve weeks to complete the Mother Supporter course from the day you choose to enrol on the course online. We’ll confirm your course completion date by email. In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to the course manager for an extension to the deadline. This may incur an admin fee.

If I’m accepted for training, I understand that I will have 12 weeks to complete the Mother Supporter course. I agree to submit my finished course on or before the deadline date.

Once your module is marked, your feedback will often include a request for extra work. And then, possibly, a further second set of revisions which will also have a deadline. If the second request for extra work does not reach the standard required, this will mean you are not considered ready for the role of ABM Mother Supporter. You will be welcome to reflect on your feedback and, when you feel you are ready, to reapply.

I understand that my marker may ask me for extra work, reading or revision of my module to ensure I reach the standard required to hold the status of ABM Mother Supporter. I am prepared to carry out this extra work promptly and conscientiously. NB: To retain your status as an ABM Mother Supporter once qualified, you are required to do an annual training update, maintain contact with your mentor and renew your ABM membership annually.

We’ll acknowledge your application (please allow up to three days at busy times).

Your application will be password-protected with only key members of the training team having access. If you’d like to encrypt your application before sending it to us, please email admin@abm.me.uk or phone 08444 122948 to let us know your chosen password.

Personal details will be stored securely. If you’ve mentioned any details about your children as part of your personal history, please let us know if you give us permission to store these details. YesNo

* Please ensure you keep this window open after hitting "submit" to allow time for the reference file to upload.